The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Children aged three, four, and five benefit from early childhood education.. They all have the same objective, which is to get young kids ready for the move to primary school. Enrolling your preschool-aged kid in one of these early childhood education programs can positively affect her development and provide her with a strong foundation for a prosperous future. 

Learning and Development

According to some experts, your kid will advance her language and motor skills as well as the learning and cognitive skills required to proceed to primary school when enrolled in an early childhood education program. 

Health Benefits

Your child’s health can also be improved by enrolling them in a high-quality early childhood education program. Research indicates that receiving high-quality care in those programs can have a favourable impact on your child’s education and growth. Furthermore, there is a lower likelihood of negative effects on your child’s socio-emotional development and a lower likelihood that she would require behavioural or mental health services once she starts primary school.

Early childhood education and care

Early childhood care and education are inseparable. Young children learn best when they are given high-quality care and through play. The following is a list of advantages of high-quality early childhood education and care:

• When you enrol your child in daycare or kindergarten, you can relax knowing that they are in the capable hands of individuals who share your values and are qualified to look after them.
• By engaging in activities that expand on their interests and abilities and playing with other children, your kid will have the chance to acquire new skills.
• There will be more opportunities for you to work, go to appointments, engage in leisure activities, or just spend time alone.

Importance of Education

Education is crucial for children’s welfare, impacting both individual development and a country’s economy and overall health. Investing in early childhood education, particularly during the first three to five years, is paramount. These formative years shape children physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. Providing environments for exploration, play, and language development sets the stage for future success. Early education influences neurological development, impacting learning abilities later in life. Education serves as a powerful tool, combating poverty, promoting health, gender equality, and peace. It’s a vital investment for individuals and nations alike.

These are some enlightening statistics to follow that illustrates the importance of early childhood education and education as a whole:

• An additional year of education can result in a 10% rise in an individual’s earnings.
• Children of educated mothers are more likely to be vaccinated and less likely to be stunted because of malnourishment.
• An extra year of education results in a 0.37% increase in the average yearly GDP growth.
• A child whose mother can read is 50% more likely to live past the age of five.
• The chance of war is lowered by roughly 3 percentage points if the secondary school enrolment rate is 10 percentage points greater than the national average.
• Higher levels of education for women working in agriculture are associated with higher wages, agricultural income, and productivity.
• Maternal mortality would be cut in half if all moms obtained their primary education, saving 189,000 lives.

Young children are like sponges, soaking up everything. Every encounter kids have, every language they pick up, every habit they take up is an investment in a more productive future.

There’s never a better time to make a mark on someone than in their early years of life.

Essential benefits of early childhood education

• Socialisation
• Concept of Cooperation
• Encouraging Holistic Development
• Enthusiasm for Lifelong Learning
• Convey the Value of Education Through Experience:
• Teamwork
• Resilience
• Concentration
• Patience
• Confidence and Self-Esteem
• Exposure to Diversity

Parent Involvement in Early Childhood Education

Families’ involvement in education as activities, parents carry out to either directly or indirectly promote their child’s learning at home and in early childhood settings.  Preschool involvement provides several long-term advantages, including instilling in children the value of education and creating a network of beneficial relationships. At this crucial juncture, parental involvement gives the child a head start on the transition to primary school. 

Home and School Connection

Parental involvement in a child’s education fosters a strong connection between home and school. Engaged parents gain insights into their child’s daily experiences and can reinforce learning at home. They intuitively understand their child’s strengths and areas for improvement, drawing inspiration from classroom activities. Involved parents are familiar with their child’s classmates, friends, and challenges, enabling them to support their child’s social and academic development effectively.

Positive Association

Back in the old days, if your parents showed up to school it usually meant you were in trouble. But for kids whose parents regularly involve themselves in school activities, parental visits are a positive adjunct to the child’s day. Teachers appreciate the assistance, and having involved parents adds diversity. It also shows the child and teacher that education is valued.

Development

Early childhood education marks just the beginning of your child’s learning journey. Engaging in the classroom setting offers a window into the world of young learners. You might find yourself wondering why your child isn’t drawing shapes like Jennifer or speaking as clearly as James. Taking the time to assess your child’s developmental stage objectively is crucial for understanding and appreciating their individuality. Explore their strengths, interests, and areas needing improvement. If your child encounters challenges in their education, it’s a prime opportunity to discuss concerns with their teacher or doctor.

Social Networks

Parental involvement in education creates social connections that are invaluable. Other parents offer support, information, and potential lifelong friendships. Children often befriend the parents of their peers, which can ease transitions like starting kindergarten. Having a friend to join activities boosts a child’s confidence. Involved parents can facilitate these social connections by being friendly and approachable.

Be a Early Years teacher

Early Years Teachers are like superheroes in the world of early childhood development. These graduate leaders are experts in nurturing little minds, specialising in children aged from birth to five years old. At Giant Leap Childcare and Learning Centre, having a trained Early Years Teacher on the team is a game-changer. Not only do they bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience, but they also inject fresh and innovative ideas into the nursery.

Think of them as the driving force behind ensuring every child receives the best start in life. They’re constantly reflecting on practices, tweaking procedures, and brainstorming new approaches to guarantee top-notch service for the kiddos and their families.

Why is having an Early Years Teacher such a big deal? Well, it’s simple – young children’s brains are like sponges, soaking up knowledge and forming connections at lightning speed. Waiting until school to start learning is a thing of the past. These crucial pre-school years are when vital skills like speech and language development take root. That’s why having an Early Years Teacher at Giant Leap is a non-negotiable. They’re not just there to teach; they’re mentors, role models, and guardians of each child’s development journey.

But their impact doesn’t stop there. Having an Early Years Teacher also smooths the transition from nursery to school. With firsthand experience in school settings, they know exactly how to support children during this important educational leap.

So, what does an early childhood teacher do, you ask? Well, they’re the architects of fun and learning for little ones aged three to five. From engaging in activities to keeping an eye on each child’s well-being, they wear many hats to ensure every child thrives in their early learning environment.

Develop Schedules and Implement Routines

Young children thrive on routine, so a structured schedule is key. From bathroom breaks to lunchtime and engaging activities like reading and music, each day is filled with learning and fun. But it’s not all about keeping busy – downtime and outdoor play are also essential for their development. So, while there’s plenty of structure, there’s also room for rest and playtime in an early childhood teacher’s schedule.

Safe and Comfortable Environment

Early childhood teachers ensure a safe environment by checking equipment and materials for hazards, repairing or removing anything dangerous. They use positive words and actions to create a comfortable and confident atmosphere for the children.

Provide Age-Appropriate Supervision and Discipline

Early childhood teachers diligently supervise students in various settings like the classroom, playground, and during field trips. They ensure safety and discipline by addressing misbehavior firmly but fairly, without resorting to any form of abuse. If they need to step away, they arrange for another responsible staff member to take over.

Plan and Carry Out Lessons

Early childhood teachers understand that learning for 3- to 5-year-olds happens through play and structured activities, fostering language, motor, and social skills. They design lessons to encourage exploration initiated by both the teacher and the child. Whether working with groups or individuals, their approach adapts to the lesson and the learners’ requirements.

Observe and Communicate

Early childhood teachers observe children’s behavior, make notes, and regularly communicate progress to parents. If any concerns arise, they promptly inform the parents.

Address Cultural or Special Needs

Early childhood teachers must cater to children’s cultural and special needs, including allergies and religious considerations. They ensure food offered aligns with dietary restrictions and provide alternative activities for children who don’t celebrate certain holidays.

Why Is a Reward System Important for Preschoolers?

Here’s the thing about preschoolers. They like to do things their own way on their own time. So when you want to encourage a new behaviour — potty training, doing simple chores, or something of the like — a great way to do it is to set up a reward system.

A positive form of discipline, a reward system for children does not have to be complicated. It can be as simple as stickers on a chart or buttons or beans in a jar. Whatever method you choose, the object is to keep track of good behaviour, so your child will continue acting that way in the future.

How to Set up a Reward System for Children

• Explain the concept to your preschooler
• Set ground rules
• Create the reward system
• Try to focus on one or two behaviours at a time
• Payout perks promptly
• Be consistent

How Life Skills Are Taught to Children with Special Needs

Teachers, therapists, and parents have developed a set of techniques that, together or separately, can be very effective in teaching life skills to children with special needs. And the good news is that these techniques can be equally effective for teaching just about any skill to just about anyone—no matter what their abilities or challenges.

Step One: Task Analysis breaks down a task into its parts. For instance, brushing teeth involves finding tools, applying toothpaste, brushing teeth, rinsing, and storing items properly.

Step Two: Creating a Visual Guide uses images to help children understand and remember each step. Parents can use photos or clip-art to illustrate the process.

Step Three: Prompting and Fading starts with a lot of help and gradually reduces assistance. Initially, physical prompts like hand-over-hand guidance are used, then verbal prompts, and eventually, no prompts are needed once the child has learned the task.

The EYFS Framework

The EYFS seeks to provide:

• Quality and consistency in all early years settings, so that every child makes good progress and no child gets left behind;
• A secure foundation through learning and development opportunities which are planned around the needs and interests of each individual child and are assessed and reviewed regularly;
• Partnership working between practitioners and with parents and/or carers;
• Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, ensuring that every child is included and supported.

Overarching principles

Four guiding principles should shape practise in early years settings. These are:

• Every child is different, capable, resilient, self-assured, and in a state of perpetual learning;
• Strong, independent character development in children comes from solid partnerships;
• Children thrive and grow best in supportive environments tailored to their unique needs, where there’s a collaborative relationship between caregivers and parents or guardians.
• Youngsters learn and develop in various ways and at varying speeds. The framework addresses the care and education of all young children in early childhood settings, including those with disabilities and special needs.

Key Goals for EYFS Learners

Four themes underpin the learning and development that your child will take part in through the EYFS Curriculum which are:

• A Unique Child – Every child is a competent learner from birth and has the potential to be resilient, capable, self-assured, and confident. They are all unique.
• Positive Relationships – From a foundation of loving and safe interactions with parents and caregivers, children develop the strength and independence to face the world.
• Enabling Environments – the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending a child’s development and learning.
• Learning and Developing – children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of learning and development are equally important.

Learning and Teaching Through Play

Learning through play is a fundamental principle in Early Years education, backed by research. Play is universal but varies based on cultural influences on child-rearing. Caregivers play a crucial role in teaching children through play, adapting to cultural beliefs and customs.

• How to play: by using open-ended exercises like sand and water play and structured games like peek-a-boo;
• How to play pretend: use your imagination, take on multiple roles, and substitute one object for another;
• Being playful involves interacting with others through humor, teasing, jokes, mimicry, riddles, rhymes, songs, clapping games, and imaginative use of materials.

In quality Early Years settings, children engage in diverse play and activities, both led by adults and initiated by children. Practitioners leverage children’s existing knowledge, fostering progression and challenge. Understanding the overlap between play, child-initiated, and adult-led activities is crucial for supporting learning effectively. Play is driven by children, promoting creativity and autonomy, and it encompasses various forms that engage their bodies, minds, and emotions. Through play, children learn social interaction, emotional regulation, and self-confidence, contributing to their holistic development within a supportive community.

In Early Years education, play-based learning is essential and backed by research. Play is universal but varies culturally. Caregivers facilitate structured and imaginative play, fostering creativity and social skills. Quality settings blend child-led and adult-led activities, leveraging home experiences. Play empowers children, promoting autonomy, creativity, and emotional growth. It’s engaging and fosters learning and self-expression, helping children develop crucial skills, social interaction, and confidence.

Play can help children to develop these positive dispositions for learning:

• Finding an interest
• Being willing to explore, experiment and try things out
• Knowing how and where to seek help
• Being inventive – creating problems, and finding solutions
• Being flexible – testing and refining solutions
• Being engaged and involved – concentrating, sustaining interest, persevering with a task, even when it is challenging
• Making choices and decisions
• Making plans and knowing how to carry them out
• Playing and working collaboratively with peers and adults
• Managing self, managing others
• Developing ‘can-do’ orientations to learning
• Being resilient – finding alternative strategies if things don’t always go as planned
• Understanding the perspectives and emotions of other people.

Teaching Methods

The EYFS is split into four distinct complimentary themes, these are:

• Unique Child
• Positive Relationships
• Enabling Environments
• Learning and Development

These principles are integral to a child’s development and underpin the activities, routines and learning at the nursery school.

The EYFS is composed of six essential learning areas that are essential to nursery school preparation. These include:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication, Language and Literacy
• Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World
• Physical Development
• Creative Development

The curriculum for these six areas has been thoughtfully designed to include a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities.

A Unique Child

From birth, all children are capable learners who possess resilience, ability, confidence, and self-assurance.

Positive Relationships

From a foundation of loving and safe relationships with parents and/or important adults, children develop their strength and independence.

Enabling Environments

Children’s learning and development are greatly aided and expanded by their environment.

Learning and Development

Every aspect of learning and development is equally significant and interconnected, even though children learn and develop in various ways and at varying rates.

The 21st Century Education

Over the past decade, education has undergone significant changes. Teachers are striving to prepare children for success in the modern world by focusing on skills like critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and communication. They’re creating environments that foster collaboration, global awareness, and social responsibility. It’s all about equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century!

INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY

Today’s kids are digital natives, growing up in the era of the Internet. They often have a better grasp of technology than the adults teaching them. To connect with these tech-savvy youngsters, teachers need to speak their language and embrace the digital tools that are second nature to the young generation. Integrating technology into education isn’t just about keeping up with trends; it’s about tapping into students’ interests and enhancing their technical skills while providing meaningful learning experiences. However, simply going through the motions won’t cut it. Teachers need a deep understanding of available tools and thoughtful reflection on how to use them effectively. Moreover, with increased connectivity comes the importance of teaching Internet safety alongside tech integration.

COOPERATIVE LEARNING STRUCTURES

Gone are the days of teacher-centred instruction! Nowadays, effective teachers are all about putting students at the centre of learning. Instead of one-way lectures, they’re embracing cooperative learning, where students interact with each other. This sparks engagement and boosts participation levels as kids discuss class materials with their buddies or in groups. It’s not just the teachers doing all the heavy lifting anymore – students are working hard too! The teacher’s role shifts from being the sole authority to a facilitator, leading to higher achievement and fostering teamwork and class cohesion. It’s all about building a collaborative learning environment where everyone plays a part in success!

DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION

Teachers can adapt lessons to meet students’ individual needs in the classroom. There are three main learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Each type thrives in different activities. Teachers can also tailor assignments to match students’ readiness levels and offer extra help or challenges when needed. Allowing students to choose activities based on their interests is motivating. Small-group work is effective for catering to diverse learners in large classes. By accommodating various learning styles and readiness levels, teachers ensure all students can succeed.

Cognitive Learning Styles of Children

Understanding cognitive styles and learning styles is crucial in education. While once used interchangeably, experts now recognize them as distinct concepts. Cognitive styles refer to how individuals process information, while learning styles relate to how they prefer to receive and engage with information. Recognizing and accommodating these differences can greatly enhance classroom teaching and learning experiences. By tailoring educational approaches to suit diverse cognitive and learning styles, educators can better support students who may learn or process information differently from their peers. It’s about creating inclusive and effective learning environments where all students can thrive.

Differences

Understanding cognitive and learning styles can greatly impact how individuals approach and process information. Cognitive style refers to how a person uniquely processes information internally, while learning style relates to how a learner engages with and responds to learning materials or environments. These styles are influenced by factors like cultural background and can vary depending on the task at hand. Recognizing and accommodating these differences can enhance learning experiences and outcomes for students.

History

In the mid-20th century, there was a prevailing belief that kids who learned differently were less intelligent. But psychologists in the 1950s and 1960s started questioning this idea. They pointed out that traditional intelligence tests didn’t capture the full range of abilities. These tests heavily favored “convergent thinking,” which looks for one correct answer, while neglecting “divergent thinking,” which is all about creative problem-solving. This insight sparked a shift in how we understand intelligence and paved the way for more inclusive approaches to education. It’s a reminder that every child’s unique strengths and talents deserve recognition and support.

Examples of Cognitive Styles

When it comes to problem-solving, everyone’s got their own unique style. Some folks need to picture the solution in their mind first, while others dive right in without needing a visual. Some are speedy thinkers, while others prefer to take their time and mull things over before reaching a conclusion. And then there are those who tackle concepts as a whole, while others break them down into smaller pieces. It’s fascinating how our brains work differently, isn’t it? What’s your problem-solving style?

Examples of Learning Styles

Visual learning is just one of the many ways students absorb information. Some students thrive on visual cues, relying on body language and facial expressions from teachers to understand concepts fully. Then there are auditory learners who prefer lectures and discussions, tuning into aspects like voice tone and pitch. On the other hand, kinesthetic learners need hands-on experience, craving exploration and activity. For them, sitting through lengthy lectures without interaction can be challenging. Understanding these learning styles helps educators tailor their teaching methods to better engage all students.

GOAL SETTING

Engaging kids in setting goals empowers them in their learning journey. Start simple with clear, regular chats about their progress. Teachers can help by using tools like organisers and anchor charts to make goal setting easy and fun!

CROSS-CURRICULUM TEACHING

Teaching multiple subjects at once can take learning to a whole new level! Unlike the old-school approach of teaching each subject in isolation, combining subjects like math, science, and social studies with reading and writing can make learning richer. Sure, it’s a bit more work for teachers, but the payoff is huge. There are different ways to do it:

Project-based learning: Kids dive into a project that leads to a tangible outcome. Think building a model or creating a presentation.

Problem-based learning: Here, students tackle real-world issues with the teacher’s guidance. It’s all about finding solutions together.

Inquiry-based learning: Children follow their curiosity, asking questions and investigating topics they’re interested in.

These methods are awesome because they’re not about just telling kids what to know; they’re about letting them explore and discover, with all subjects intertwined along the way. It’s learning that sticks!

ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING

Assessment for Learning, also known as Formative Assessment, is a game-changer in education. Unlike summative assessments, which only give a snapshot of what students know, formative assessment helps teachers tailor instruction to meet each student’s needs in real-time. Waiting until the end of a unit to assess means some students might fall through the cracks. That’s why teachers use various tools like observations, questions, discussions, and more, to constantly monitor learning. This way, they can make on-the-spot adjustments to support or challenge students as necessary, ensuring no one gets left behind. It’s all about keeping the learning journey dynamic and responsive.

What is an enabling environment?

Early learning and development in children can be substantially supported by an enabling environment. Creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for kids to play, explore, and learn in is the goal of an enabling environment. A child-centered atmosphere is ideal; practitioners should be aware of each child’s unique learning style, values, and motivations for independence.

Three key components comprise enabling environments:

1. The atmosphere and feel of a place are referred to as the emotional environment.
2. The resources that are available inside, how to access them, and how activities are conducted make up the indoor environment.
3. The resources that are available in the outdoor area, how to access them, and how activities are conducted are all part of the outdoor environment.

Why are enabling environments important in early years?

Creating an environment that nurtures children’s development is crucial for their growth. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, we focus on supporting children across all seven areas of learning to help them become resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured individuals. Research emphasizes the significance of the environment in children’s development. Providing a safe space, both physically and mentally, is essential for enabling learning and fostering growth.

Innovative Ideas to Make Your Teaching Methods More Effective

One of the toughest tasks for any teacher is grabbing students’ attention and making sure the lesson sticks with them even after they’ve left the classroom. To make this happen, we need to shake up the traditional classroom experience and introduce innovative teaching methods. It’s all about finding creative ways to engage students and make learning memorable. After all, education should be exciting and leave a lasting impact on young minds.

So here are some innovative ideas that will help teachers reinvent their teaching methods and make their classes interesting.

Creative Teaching

Take the help of creative tools to stimulate creativity.

Audio & Video Tools

Incorporate audio-visual materials in your sessions.

“Real-World” Learning

Link your lessons to real-world learning.

Brainstorm

Make time for brainstorming sessions into your classrooms. 

Classes Outside the Classroom

Some lessons are best learnt when they are taught outside of the classroom. 

Role Play

Teaching through role play is a great way to make children step out of their comfort zone and develop their interpersonal skills.

Storyboard Teaching

Rudyard Kipling rightly said, “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.”

Stimulating Classroom Environment

A classroom environment that is well-decorated, fun, and engaging will help stimulate a student’s mind and will help think and learn better.

Welcome New Ideas

An open-minded attitude can help you innovate new teaching methods.

Think About A New Hobby

Sometimes, the hectic workload may affect your engagement in teaching.

Work Together as a Team

As everyone knows, the end result of collaborative efforts is always immense. 

Puzzles and Games

Learning is fun where puzzles and games are part of education. 

Start School Clubs or Groups

It is essential for learning purposes because they provide students with valuable opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Refer Books on Creativity

To be a creative teacher, you need to do some research on creative ideas and techniques.

Love What You Do

You can give your best only if you truly love what you do..

Introduce Lessons Like a Story

Just think, why do you watch movies with much interest? You like to watch movies because there is always an interesting story to keep you engaged.

Staffing Roles and Responsibilities

To exercise leadership in the creation and administration of EYFS teaching and learning.

To instruct students in the school and perform any additional related tasks that the head teacher deems appropriate.

The post holder is responsible for:

• Directing and supervising the teaching and support personnel in the year 1 classroom, reception, and nursery
• The development, coaching, and mentoring of all year 1 and EYFS staff

Duties and responsibilities specific to the post:

Leadership and Management:

• Provide the Headteacher and coworkers with advice and updates on all things related to the EYFS and year 1,
• Coordinate and assume daily accountability for the EYFS and year 1 administration and organisation.
• Make an effort to guarantee that the school’s resources and funding are used efficiently in our year 1 and reception classes.
• Ensure that students transfer to our nursery with ease 
• Build and maintain positive connections with early childhood educators, parents/caregivers, and the larger community.

Teaching and Learning:

• Along with coworkers and SLT members, we observe, assess, and provide support for the teaching and learning of our EYFS and first-graders.
• Assist colleagues with the EYFS curriculum’s teaching and learning.
• Ascertain that assessment protocols are in place and that they safely and efficiently record, report, and track students’ progress.

Generic duties and responsibilities:

Must adhere to the provisions of the School Teachers Pay and Conditions while operating within the bounds of national law

Record and with terms of employment that have been agreed upon locally. The accountabilities, roles, and responsibilities listed in the above document that are typical of all classroom teachers should be added to the tasks and responsibilities listed in this job description.

In addition, the post is subject to compliance with:

• School policies & guidelines on the curriculum and school organisation
• National Standards for Qualified Teachers
• SEN Code of Practice

The EYFS Leader will be entitled to:

• Support in his/her role from the Headteacher, SLT, colleagues and the Governing Body
• Opportunities, motivation, and support for pursuing additional professional development.
• Regular class release time
• Regular opportunities to work closely with colleagues, school leaders, and the headteacher on a regular basis to talk about problems and exchange ideas about how we can all improve our early years provision.

Conclusion 

To sum up, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) lays a strong basis for kids’ learning and development throughout their lives. EYFS also emphasizes the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of every child by ensuring that they receive the assistance they require to flourish.

EYFS prepares young learners for success in school and beyond by fostering curiosity, creativity, and resilience via play-based learning, individualised activities, and supportive surroundings.

Let’s continue to spread the importance of early years education, ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in life.