The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the term used to describe the time in your child’s life between birth and the age of five. This is a very important stage as it helps your child get ready for school as well as preparing them for their future learning and success. From when your child is born up until the age of five, their early years' experience should be happy, active, exciting, fun and secure. The right setting will support your child's development, meet their needs and provide core learning opportunities. Nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes and childminders registered to deliver the EYFS must follow a legal document called the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.
What is the EYFS Framework?
The EYFS framework gives all professionals a set of common principles and commitments to deliver quality early education and childcare experiences to all children. The EYFS Framework gives dads and mums confidence that regardless of where they choose for their child’s early education, they can be assured that the same statutory commitments and principles will underpin their child’s learning and development experience. More information on the EYFS is displayed within the nursery or available on request.
Learning Through Play
At Little Steps, play is at the heart of everything we do, with a strong focus on school readiness, social interactions (with both peers and adults), and hands-on learning.
Each day, our activities are carefully designed to support development, with a focus on “we’re not dirty, we’re learning”…
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We may be muddy, but we have been playing in the mud garden learning how to pour and empty, using our gross motor skills and interacting with our peers.
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We may have paint on us, but we have been using our fine motor skills and developing our knowledge on colours and colour mixing.
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We may be a little glittery, but we have been gluing and sticking today. Working on our independence and coordination through craft.
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We many have crayon on us, but today we have been practicing early writing, working on our pencil control and tripod grip.
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We may have a little mess on us, but we have been learning through our senses using our hands to feel textures such as shaving foam and gloop. Helping develop our understanding of how we can manipulate things in our environment.
Staff Qualifications & Ratios
We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards of care with a well-qualified and experienced team. Our nursery is led by a Level 3 qualified Manager, supported by a Deputy Manager and five additional staff members who also hold Level 3 qualifications. We also have one team member qualified at Level 2.
To ensure every child receives the attention and support they need, we follow the recommended staff-to-child ratios:
- 0–2 years: 1 staff member for every 3 children
- 2–3 years: 1 staff member for every 5 children
- 3–4 years: 1 staff member for every 8 children
These ratios allow us to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where each child can thrive.
