The EYFS consists of 7 inter-connected areas of learning and development.
Prime Areas
These are crucial for igniting children’s enthusiasm for learning.
| 1. Communication and language |
| Listening / understanding / speaking |
| Providing an environment for children to express themselves in a range of situations allows them to develop these skills. |
| 2. Physical development |
| Moving and handling / health and self-care |
| Children need to understand that continued physical activity, as well as healthy food choices, are important - and why. |
| 3. Personal, social and emotional development |
| Self-confidence / managing feelings & behaviour / making relationships |
| This area helps to shape children’s social skills, and develops respect and an understanding of their different feelings. |
Specific Areas
These strengthen the learning and development in the prime areas
| 4. Literacy |
| Reading / writing |
| It’s important for children to discover phonemic awareness – the ability to hear and identify different words and sounds. |
| 5. Mathematics |
| Numbers / shape, space and measures |
| Children need to be guided in developing skills with calculation, as well as being able to describe shapes, spaces, and measures. |
| 6. Understanding the world |
| People and communities / the world / technology |
| Making sense of things by observing and exploring, and the opportunities of technology and other things that they use. |
| 7. Expressive arts and design |
| Exploring and using media and materials / being imaginative |
| Creative and performing arts activities all give children the opportunity to express themselves and learn new things. |
