The EYFS Principles: How They Fit Into Our Nursery Curriculum

The Early Years Foundation Stage Principles (EYFS) is a statutory framework setting high standards for learning, development and care of children up to the age of 5. 

Ofsted-registered nurseries, such as Tiddlywinks, use this framework to ensure a high standard of childcare and education as well as maintaining child health and safety, and preparing children for school (check out our guide to understanding nursery Ofsted reports).

Read on to learn more about how we incorporate these principles into our curriculum.

The main principles of the EYFS

Whilst the EYFS framework is extensive and exceptionally detailed, there are four main principles which make up the guidelines:

• Unique child – Every child is unique and should be treated as such. Each child is capable of constant learning, resilience and confidence. Inclusion and diversity should therefore be celebrated and nurtured across the board.

• Positive relationships – Positive relationships are what shape strength and independence. This includes both childcare/educational professionals and parents alike, highlighting the importance of parent-carer relationships. 

• Enabling environments – Children need and deserve to learn and develop in an enabling environment. This involves supporting adults who respond to individual interests and needs. Both indoor and outdoor environments should be safe, stimulating and promote curiosity.

• Learning and development importance – The EYFS principles outline specific characteristics for effective teaching and learning for all children (including those with special educational needs). This covers seven areas: communication, physical development, personal/social, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, expressive arts. 

To learn more about the EYFS principles at Tiddlywinks, discover the questions to ask when visiting a new nursery and book a nursery tour.

How the EYFS principles support nursery-aged children

The EYFS principles support nursery-aged children by defining set rules which ensure no child is left behind and every child is treated as an equal, unique individual. 

Adequate focus is placed on personal, social and academic development throughout the formative first five years. These frameworks can be directly integrated into the structure of a nurseries’ curriculum and routine, which is exactly how Tiddlywinks creates an inclusive and supportive environment for all children. 

At Tiddlywinks, these principles are embedded throughout our nursery curriculum and daily practice, helping us create an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to reach their full potential.

How we use the EYFS principles in our nurseries

At Tiddlywinks, the EYFS principles are at the heart of our ethos and curriculum. Here’s how each one is incorporated in practice:

Our ABC curriculum is sequenced from birth to age five, but we never operate using a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Each unique child’s plan is shaped by their own interests, pace and curiosities, delivered by their key carer to build on existing skills and gently introduce them to new learning. We also work to guarantee every child sees their culture and background reflected in the experiences and activities we offer.

Our key carers are the foundation of building positive relationships. Our trained childcare experts get to know each child at a personal level, including their family background, learning styles, dietary needs and more. This gives children the security to explore and develop in a structured manner. We also work closely with parents and carers through regular updates.

We create enabling environments through a mix of indoor spaces which encourage calm, independent curiosity, and secure outdoor garden areas that extend learning beyond the classroom. Physical play is woven into daily routines, and we also organise regular trips into local communities and spaces.

Play is the language of childhood at Tiddlywinks, it is the way children make sense of relationships and navigate learning and development. Our structured yet flexible approach allows children to progress across all seven elements of learning and development, with the ability to revisit and consolidate skills over time.

Get in touch with us to learn more about our curriculum or to book a tour of one of our nurseries.