1.2 Outline the areas of learning and development making up the statutory EYFS framework, to include: • communication and language • physical development • personal, social and emotional development • literacy • mathematics • understanding the world • expressive arts and design

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Outline the areas of learning and development making up the statutory EYFS framework, to include: • communication and language • physical development • personal, social and emotional development • literacy • mathematics • understanding the world • expressive arts and design.

Communication and Language

This area focuses on children’s spoken language skills, listening skills, and understanding of words and sentences. It is about how children use language to express their needs, wants, thoughts, and ideas, and how they understand what others say. It develops from birth as children are exposed to words and sounds.

From birth to age five, children’s communication skills are built through everyday interactions. Adults play a key role by talking with children, listening to them, and introducing new vocabulary in a natural way. The EYFS encourages activities and routines that promote both listening and speaking.

Key parts of communication and language are:

• Listening and attention – paying attention to speech, sounds, and instructions
• Understanding – making sense of spoken language and following instructions
• Speaking – using words, sentences, and grammar to share ideas and interact with others

Supporting communication and language can involve:

• Using songs, rhymes, and stories to expose children to rhythm and structure in language
• Asking open-ended questions that invite longer answers
• Giving children time to respond and avoiding rushing their speech
• Playing games that involve following directions

Language development links closely to later success in reading, writing, and social skills. Children who are confident communicators tend to interact better with peers and can take part more fully in activities.

Physical Development

Physical development covers both fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Gross motor skills involve large movements using arms, legs, and whole body. Fine motor skills involve smaller movements that require precision, such as using pencils, scissors, or fastening buttons.

This area is about helping children gain control over their movements, coordination, and balance. It also includes teaching them about health and self-care, like hygiene and making healthy food choices.

Activities that support this area include:

• Outdoor play that involves running, climbing, and balancing
• Indoor activities such as dancing or obstacle courses
• Using construction materials like building blocks to strengthen fingers and hands
• Drawing, threading beads, or playdough work to refine fine motor control

Physical development supports other learning too. For example, as children learn to hold a pencil correctly, they prepare for writing. As they gain stamina and coordination, they can take part in more complex play and sports.

Health aspects are important here. Children should learn about washing hands, brushing teeth, wearing suitable clothing, and understanding that exercise helps them feel stronger and more energetic.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

This area focuses on helping children gain confidence, understand their feelings, and build positive relationships. It starts in infancy as babies begin to recognise familiar faces and feel comforted by interaction with caregivers.

The EYFS framework breaks this down into three strands:

• Self-confidence and self-awareness – recognising own abilities, likes, and dislikes
• Managing feelings and behaviour – coping with emotions and learning to control actions in different situations
• Making relationships – playing and working with other children and adults

Supporting this development involves:

• Encouraging children to talk about their feelings
• Helping children find ways to cope with frustration or disappointment
• Teaching turn-taking and sharing through play
• Modelling positive social behaviour such as kindness and empathy

Strong personal, social, and emotional development allows children to feel secure in learning and playing. It also supports them in making friendships and becoming part of a group.

Literacy

Literacy is about reading and writing. In the EYFS, this area focuses on building pre-reading skills as well as encouraging an interest in writing and mark-making.

Children start by recognising familiar logos, signs, and pictures. They progress to recognising letters and understanding that written words carry meaning. Phonics is a key method used to teach letter sounds and blending these sounds to make words.

Writing development begins with mark-making. This can be scribbles, lines, or shapes that represent meaning to the child. Over time, children learn letter formation and how to organise writing into words and sentences.

Effective ways to support literacy include:

• Daily shared book reading sessions
• Talking about stories and asking children to predict what might happen next
• Providing varied writing materials such as crayons, pens, and chalk for free use
• Encouraging children to label pictures or write cards for friends

Literacy is closely linked to language development. The richer a child’s spoken vocabulary, the more confident they are in reading and writing.

Mathematics

Mathematics in the EYFS covers both number and shape, space, and measures. This means giving children the tools to recognise numbers, count, and use mathematical thinking in everyday life.

Number work starts with counting objects, recognising numerals, and understanding that numbers represent quantities. Children learn basic addition and subtraction within play contexts. For shape, space, and measures, they might Sort shapes by type, talk about sizes, compare heights, or measure using non-standard units like blocks or hands.

Ways to encourage mathematical learning:

• Singing number rhymes and songs
• Counting steps when moving around
• Playing with shape sorters, puzzles, or construction toys
• Exploring capacity through water and sand play

Maths learning in the EYFS places emphasis on making it practical and playful. Children often grasp concepts faster when they are part of games or real-life tasks, such as setting the table or distributing snacks.

Understanding the World

Understanding the World means helping children explore and make sense of the environment and the wider community. It includes learning about people, places, technology, and the natural world.

Children start by exploring their immediate surroundings. They investigate features like seasons, weather, plants, and animals. They talk about events in their lives and their families. They are introduced to cultures and traditions different from their own.

Technology plays a part here. The EYFS recognises that children should use simple technology such as cameras, audio recorders, or tablets under supervision.

Supporting this area can involve:

• Nature walks to look for plants or insects
• Simple science experiments like mixing colours or making ice melt
• Discussing differences and similarities between families
• Visiting local places such as farms, museums, or libraries

Developing curiosity and respect for the world around them helps children become more aware of how they fit into society and the environment.

Expressive Arts and Design

This area relates to creativity, imagination, and exploring different ways to express ideas. It includes art, music, dance, role play, and imaginative activities with media and materials.

Children experiment with a range of tools and techniques, such as painting with brushes, building models, or using collage materials. They sing songs, explore musical instruments, and take part in performances. Role play lets them take on different roles, act out stories, and develop social skills.

Ways to support this area include:

• Providing varied open-ended resources like fabric, cardboard, and paint
• Encouraging children to try new techniques without worrying about results
• Offering opportunities for dramatic play through costumes and props
• Making space for music and movement activities indoors and outdoors

This area helps children learn to express themselves, solve problems creatively, and gain fine and gross motor skills through creative tasks.

Final Thoughts

The statutory EYFS framework sets out these seven areas of learning and development for a reason. They cover all the main skills, knowledge, and attitudes children need to grow, learn, and thrive from birth to five. Each area works alongside the others. For example, good communication helps with literacy, while physical development supports writing and participation in group activities.

As an early years worker, your role is to provide experiences that let children explore all seven areas in a balanced way. Daily routines, planned activities, and spontaneous play all contribute to their progress. The earlier and richer these experiences are, the stronger the foundation for later learning at school and beyond.