Using Development Matters to Deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
At our preschool, children learn and thrive through a curriculum rooted in the Development Matters guidance, which supports us in delivering the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Our approach is built on the belief that every child is unique, capable, and full of potential. We create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore, play, and grow.
Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build strong foundations across all seven areas of learning, with a particular focus on the Prime Areas—Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and Physical Development. These underpin everything we do and ensure children develop the confidence, curiosity, and resilience they need for lifelong learning.
We use Development Matters to guide our understanding of children’s development, helping us to notice what they can do, identify what they need next, and shape meaningful learning experiences. Practitioners skillfully balance child-led exploration with thoughtful adult interactions, modelling language, extending thinking, and introducing new concepts at the right moment.
Our curriculum reflects our community, celebrates diversity, and embraces children’s interests. Through inclusive, rich play opportunities, outdoor learning, stories, songs, and hands-on experiences, we nurture children’s early communication, early maths, creativity, problem-solving, and understanding of the world.
We work in close partnership with families, recognising them as children’s first and most important educators. Together, we ensure every child is supported to make progress, develop a strong sense of self, and be well prepared for the next stage of their learning journey.