The EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) Framework exists to support all professionals working in the EYFS to help your child, and was developed with a number of early years experts and parents.

In 2012 and 2014 the framework was revised to make it clearer and easier to use, with more focus on the things that matter most. This new framework also has a greater emphasis on your role in helping your child develop.

It sets out:

1) The legal welfare requirements that everyone registered to look after children must follow to keep your child safe and promote their welfare.

2) The areas of learning and development which guide professionals’ engagement with your child’s play and activities as they learn new skills and knowledge.

3) Assessments that will tell you about your child’s progress through the EYFS.

4) Expected levels that your child should reach at age 5, usually the end of the reception year; these expectations are called the “Early Learning Goals (ELGs)”

At The Den we provide wrap-around care to children in the EYFS age group as well as older children. We are a play-based provision where children are free to choose activities and resources.

Due to the nature of and short time we provide care we aim to compliment children's EYFS experiences that they receive from their primary EYFS provider (usually school or nursery). In order to do this we ask for parents/carers as well as primary providers to liaise with us. By doing so we hope to be an important part of helping your child to progress through the EYFS.

We also request your permission to observe your child. We use observations to assess and plan play opportunities for all children.