What is EYFS:
EYFS stands for Early Years Foundation Stage & it sets standards for the learning, development, & care of a child from birth to 5 years old. It is the statutory framework for Early Years education in England, defined in Section 39 of the British government’s Childcare Act 2006. EYSF encompasses seven areas of learning & development that must shape educational programs in early years settings. Three areas are most essential for building a child’s healthy development & future learning, igniting children’s curiosity & enthusiasm for learning, & for building their capacity to learn, form relationships & thrive. These are the three Prime areas. There are also four Specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied.
How does SensorStory incorporate EYFS into its programme?
Drawing on the Birth to Three Matters Framework, the EYFS puts a new emphasis on children as active learners throughout the foundation stage. Our curriculum incorporates the Early Years Foundation Stage, where the aim of our program is to equip little ones with the skills & knowledge they need to explore & understand the world around them. When linking our program & individual lesson plans to 7 areas of learning, we are drawing from above, where our planning of the curriculum is flexible & covers a broad range of developmental needs as set out by the DFE (Department for Education).
EYFS & Montessori – How do they work together?
With thanks to the relatively new Birth to Three Matters Framework, the EYFS sheds light on the importance of children as active learners throughout the foundation stage. Dr Montessori was one of the earliest pioneers of educational practices based on these ideas. Throughout the introduction of the EYFS there have been many valuable lessons drawn from the Montessori approach, with more focus placed on the development of the ‘whole child’. The Montessori approach to education shares many of the same principles as those found in the EYFS framework – that every child is unique, that they learn through positive relationships, in enabling environments & in different ways & at different rates. The first three years of life are the most fundamental in the development of human beings & their potential. It is a period when the core of personality, social skills, & human values are developed. An understanding of the child’s development allows Montessori environments to meet the needs of little ones & foster a sense of belonging, independence, & language acquisition enabling children to feel able & capable. The Montessori Curriculum enhances the EYFS by providing children with the optimal learning environment, materials, & guidance to discover their full potential. Montessori infant-toddler programmes from birth to 3, are provided in our unique format. SensorStory delivers a blended curriculum that incorporates both the Montessori Curriculum & the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). These programs work together to enhance children’s learning & development during their crucial formative years.
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed” – Maria Montessori
For more on Montessori curriculum, see our article What is Montessori.
For ideas on activities to try home, see our article Montessori activity ideas to try at home.
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