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The Early years foundation stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework that sets the standards for learning, development, safeguarding and welfare for children from birth to five years of age. All Ofsted-registered early years providers, including childminders, nurseries, pre-schools and reception classes in schools, are required to follow the EYFS. The framework applies only to early years provision in England.

The EYFS is designed to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life by promoting:

  • high-quality and consistent practice across all early years settings
  • a strong foundation for each child's learning and development through careful planning, observation and assessment
  • effective partnerships between practitioners, parents and carers
  • inclusive practice that promotes equality of opportunity and supports the needs of every child

The EYFS outlines:

  • The seven areas of learning and development that shape children's experiences and support their progress
  • The Early Learning Goals, which describe the knowledge, skills and understanding children are expected to achieve by the end of the Reception year
  • Requirements for monitoring children's progress and sharing information with parents and carers
  • Safeguarding and welfare requirements that providers must follow to keep children safe, healthy and supported

For more information, please refer to the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Supporting documents

The following resources can help providers implement the EYFS effectively:

  • EYFS Statutory Framework - The official statutory guidance for all early years providers in England including Group based providers and childminders Early Years Foundation Stage Framework
  • Development Matters - Non-statutory guidance that supports practitioners in planning and delivering an effective curriculum within the EYFS Development Matters
  • Birth to 5 Matters - Non-statutory guidance developed by the early years sector, providing practical support and information to aid curriculum development and practice Introduction - Birth To 5 Matters
  • Help for Early Years Providers - A Department for Education website offering free resources, guidance, training, and practical support on a range of early years topics, including SEND, curriculum planning, assessment, and workforce development Help for Early Years Providers
  • Early Years Inspection Information - Guidance from Ofsted about the inspection process for registered early years settings under the current inspection framework Early Years Inspection Toolkit
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children - National guidance on how organisations and professionals should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. This underpins safeguarding practice in early years settings Working together to safeguard children - GOV.UK
  • Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice - Sets out statutory duties, policies and procedures relating to children and young people with SEND SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years - GOV.UK
  • What to expect in the early years foundation stage: a guide for parents - A helpful guide for parents and carers explaining how children learn and develop through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), including the key milestones and experiences children may encounter from birth to age five What-to-expect-in-the-EYFS-complete-FINAL-16.09-compressed.pdf
  • Progress check at age two statutory guidance - Guidance for early years providers on completing the statutory progress check at age two, helping to review a child's development and identify any additional support they may need Progress check at age 2 - GOV.UK
  • What to do if you are worried a child is being abused statutory guidance - Statutory safeguarding guidance for practitioners working with children, outlining the signs of abuse and the actions to take if there are concerns about a child's welfare What to do if you are worried a child is being abused
  • Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition statutory guidance - Guidance to support early years providers in promoting healthy eating and meeting children's nutritional needs as part of the EYFS requirements Early Years Foundation Stage nutrition - GOV.UK
  • Giving every child the best start in life strategy - Government strategy setting out the vision for improving outcomes for babies, children and families through high-quality services, early intervention and support during the early years Giving every child the best start in life - GOV.UK

Last updated 17 August 2026