This guide will help you answer 1.3 Describe areas of learning and expected early learning goals/targets within the statutory framework and curriculum study requirements for children aged from birth to seven years.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the statutory framework for all early years providers, outlining the areas of learning and development for children from birth to five years old. This continues into Key Stage 1 for children up to seven years old. Understanding these areas is crucial for child care workers completing their NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner. This guide will detail the learning areas and the expected early learning goals or targets within the statutory framework and curriculum study requirements for children from birth to seven years.
Prime Areas of Learning
The EYFS identifies seven key areas of learning and development, divided into three prime areas and four specific areas. The prime areas are fundamental for igniting curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED)
Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED) is crucial. This area promotes:
- Confidence and self-awareness
- Managing feelings and behaviour
- Making relationships
Early Learning Goals for PSED:
- Self-confidence and Self-awareness: Children should confidently try new activities and express themselves.
- Managing Feelings and Behaviour: They need to understand their feelings, control them, and adhere to simple rules.
- Making Relationships: Children should form positive relationships with peers and adults.
Communication and Language
Communication and Language involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment. It includes:
- Listening and attention
- Understanding
- Speaking
Early Learning Goals for Communication and Language:
- Listening and Attention: Children should listen attentively and respond to what they hear.
- Understanding: They should follow instructions and answer questions.
- Speaking: Children should express themselves clearly, using a variety of tenses and structured sentences.
Physical Development
Physical Development is integral for children to develop coordination, control, and movement. It includes:
- Moving and handling
- Health and self-care
Early Learning Goals for Physical Development:
- Moving and Handling: Children should move in various ways, handle equipment, and control tools like pencils.
- Health and Self-care: They should understand the importance of physical exercise and a healthy diet.
Specific Areas of Learning
The specific areas of learning help children strengthen the prime areas and develop essential skills and knowledge.
Literacy
Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and begin to read and write. It includes:
- Reading
- Writing
Early Learning Goals for Literacy:
- Reading: Children should demonstrate understanding of words, sentences, and a range of reading materials. They should use phonics to decode words.
- Writing: They should write simple sentences that can be read by others, using sounds and spelling conventions.
Mathematics
Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in:
- Numbers
- Shape, space, and measure
Early Learning Goals for Mathematics:
- Numbers: Children should count reliably, compare quantities, and understand basic addition and subtraction.
- Shape, Space, and Measure: They need to explore shapes, measure objects, and understand spatial awareness.
Understanding the World
Understanding the World helps children make sense of their physical world and their community. It involves:
- People and communities
- The world
- Technology
Early Learning Goals for Understanding the World:
- People and Communities: Children should talk about past and present events in their own lives and in the lives of family members.
- The World: They should explore, observe, and find out about people, places, technology, and the environment.
- Technology: Children should recognise that various technologies are used in homes and schools and use selected technology for particular purposes.
Expressive Arts and Design
Expressive Arts and Design involve enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. It includes:
- Exploring and using media and materials
- Being imaginative
Early Learning Goals for Expressive Arts and Design:
- Exploring Media and Materials: Children should sing songs, make music, dance, and experiment with colours and textures.
- Being Imaginative: They should use what they have learned in original ways, showing they can make and be creative with different materials.
Continuing Education into Key Stage 1
After the EYFS, children transition to Key Stage 1 (KS1), where the curriculum becomes more structured. However, the foundational learning goals achieved in the EYFS set the groundwork for more advanced learning. KS1 continues to build on these early skills, ensuring children grow in literacy, numeracy, and social competencies.
Curriculum Study Requirements for KS1
While the EYFS is crucial, it leads into more formal education in KS1, which covers:
- English: Developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
- Mathematics: Enhancing understanding of numbers, calculations, shapes, and measures.
- Science: Building knowledge of natural and physical world.
- Art and Design: Encouraging creativity and expression through visual arts.
- Computing: Introducing basic digital skills and online safety.
- Geography and History: Understanding the world, its environments, and past events.
- Music and Physical Education (PE): Developing musical talents and physical fitness.
Benefits of Understanding Learning Areas
Grasping these areas and early learning goals is essential for several reasons:
- Holistic Development: These areas promote the all-round growth of the child.
- School Readiness: They ensure children are ready for more formal education.
- Personal Achievement: Meeting these goals fosters a sense of accomplishment in children.
Conclusion
Understanding the areas of learning and expected early learning goals within the statutory framework of the EYFS and continuing into KS1 is foundational for any early years practitioner. These areas ensure children not only acquire essential academic skills but also social, physical, and emotional competencies. This holistic approach prepares children for a smooth transition to more structured learning environments and lifelong success.
