The Early Years Foundation Stage is based on principles which guide the work of all early years practitioners caring for children from birth until the end of the academic year in which they have their fifth birthday.

These principles are grouped into four themes

A Unique Child – every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

Positive Relationships – children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person.

Enabling Environments – the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning.

Learning and Development – children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and inter-connected.

The statutory framework of the Early Years Foundation Stage sets out the five legal welfare requirements that all early years providers must meet as follows:

•    Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare

•    Suitable people

•    Suitable premises, environment and equipment

•    Organisation

•    Documentation

Putting the Early Years Foundation Stage into practice - How to make sense of the Early Years Foundation Stage Guidance and the statutory Welfare Requirements.

Crechendo Training has successfully a 12 hour bespoke course which considers the principles of the EYFS and implications for practice for a number of Local Authorities.

Course aims & learning outcomes:

•    To become familiar with the principles, themes and commitments of the Early Years Foundation Stage

•    To gain confidence in using EYFS materials

•    To gain an understanding of the Welfare requirements

•    To reflect on effectiveness of current practice

Who is the course for?  

Whether you are a newly registered childminder or someone who has worked with children in early years settings this course is for YOU.  The course will:

•    Consolidate your existing good practice,

•    Help you to identify areas for improvement/development

•    Give you fresh ideas

•    Guide you in ways to meet the Welfare Requirements.

Crechendo are happy to deliver this course in a way in which suits you.  Whether it is on Saturdays or in the evenings or even a mixture of both - the same outcomes will be achieved.

Don’t let the Early Years Foundation Stage baffle you any more.  Come and join other practitioners and discuss the fun and exciting ways we can implement the EYFS and celebrate our work with young children.

By Sheila Foley, EYFS Trainer - March 2009