What is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers the crucial period in your child’s life from birth to age five. It lays the foundations for all future learning and development.

It prepares children for school and lifelong learning.

Experiences during this stage should be:

• Happy
• Active
• Fun
• Secure
• Full of development opportunities

All nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, and reception classes registered to deliver the EYFS must follow the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Framework; a legal document that ensures consistent, high-quality care and education.

Our Approach at Ashworth View Nursery:

At Ashworth View, we follow the Birth to 5 Matters curriculum, helping children make steady progress towards their Early Learning Goals by the end of the Reception year.

• We create stimulating, child-led learning environments built around each child’s interests.
• Activities are carefully planned to:
  • Encourage exploration and independence
  • Support children's next steps in learning
  • Scaffold development with adult guidance
• Children are supported to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively through purposeful play.

Outdoor Learning

Outdoor learning plays a big role in our curriculum.

• Children access the outdoor environment every day, regardless of the weather.
• Outdoor play supports:
  • Gross motor skill development
  • Curiosity about the world around them
  • Broader, bolder engagement with the curriculum
  • Opportunities to investigate, create, and take risks in a natural setting

The Key Person Role

At Ashworth View Nursery, each child is assigned a key person — a dedicated staff member who supports their care, learning and development. This important relationship helps your child feel safe, secure and supported during their time with us. As the children transition throughout the playrooms, they will have a secure bond with the staff team.

How Key People Support Learning

Our team is here to help children:

• Play and Explore – engage in activities and discover the world around them.
• Learn Actively – stay motivated and involved in their experiences.
• Think Critically – develop problem-solving and reasoning skills.

Staff in each room work as a team, sharing responsibilities and supporting all children. The key person system ensures every child receives personalised support to enjoy, achieve and thrive.

Observation and Planning

Your child’s key person is responsible for:

• Observing their play and development
• Planning tailored activities based on their needs and interests
• Creating and updating their Learning Journey – a record of progress that can be viewed and discussed at any time

This includes completing key documents, such as the two-year progress check, which is shared with parents and carers.

Working in Partnership with Parents

We believe in strong home–nursery partnerships. You’ll have regular chances to chat with your child’s key person at drop-off and pick-up times. We also host parents’ evenings twice a year to discuss your child’s progress in more detail.

If you ever have concerns about your child’s behaviour, development or experience at nursery, you're always welcome to speak with their key person, room leader or the nursery manager.