Communication and language
Listening, understanding, conversation and the confidence to express ideas, feelings and needs.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Leap says hello!Play is how little minds make big discoveries
Learning through play.
Growing with purpose.
The EYFS gives every child a strong foundation for learning, development and wellbeing. At Little Leaps, we bring it to life through meaningful play, caring relationships and experiences shaped around each child.
A shared foundation
What is the EYFS?
The Early Years Foundation Stage is the statutory framework for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five in England. It helps early-years providers support children to learn and develop well, stay healthy and safe, and build foundations for school and later life.
Read the parent guidance on GOV.UKFour guiding principles
A Unique ChildPositive RelationshipsEnabling EnvironmentsLearning and Development
These principles work together. Children thrive when they feel secure, are understood as individuals and have inviting spaces and experiences in which to explore.
Seven connected areas of learning
Supporting the whole child
The areas are not separate lessons. They overlap throughout a child’s conversations, movement, imagination, friendships and play.
Personal, social and emotional development
Secure relationships, emotional wellbeing, independence, confidence and positive interactions with others.
Physical development
Movement, coordination, fine-motor control, healthy routines and growing confidence in using the body.
Literacy
A love of stories, songs and rhymes, alongside early mark-making, reading and writing foundations.
Mathematics
Numbers, patterns, shape, space and measure explored naturally through play and everyday problem-solving.
Understanding the world
Curiosity about people, communities, nature, places, technology and how the world around us works.
Expressive arts and design
Imagination and self-expression through art, music, movement, materials, storytelling and role-play.
Illustrative image · nursery photography to followLearning is connected
One playful moment can open many doors
A child spending time in the sand may appear to be “just playing”, but that experience can support several areas at once.
- Comparing shape, quantity and volume
- Discovering textures and different materials
- Creating stories and imaginative worlds
- Developing coordination, strength and motor control
- Sharing ideas, language and space with others
This temporary visual gives the page a warm, purposeful focus and can be replaced later with authentic activity photography from Basildon or Grays.
Individual planning
Every child’s journey is personal
Children do not all develop at the same pace or in the same way. Observation helps us respond to the child in front of us—not simply follow a fixed programme.
Observe
We notice what captures a child’s attention, what they can already do and how they prefer to explore.
Understand
Practitioners consider interests, development, relationships and any areas where sensitive support may help.
Plan
Experiences and environments are shaped around useful next steps rather than a one-size-fits-all timetable.
Explore
Children test ideas through play, supported by warm interactions and thoughtful questions.
Reflect
We review progress with families and use what we learn to guide the next part of the journey.
Tapestry learning journal
Your window into their day
Families receive secure access to Tapestry, where our team can share photographs, videos and observations from nursery. Parents and carers can respond, add moments from home and help us understand the child’s wider interests and achievements.
Nursery and home working together gives children a more connected learning journey.
Understanding progress
Progress is considered through ongoing observation and professional judgement. Families are kept informed, including around the progress review between ages two and three.
Inclusive by design
Experiences, communication and environments are adapted around individual development and additional needs. We work alongside families and relevant professionals when more support is helpful.
How the pieces fit together
EYFS sets the foundation. Our EDP brings it to life.
The EYFS is the national statutory framework. The Little Leaps Early Development Plan is our own clear, child-centred way of organising meaningful learning around five focus areas: Me, Us, Challenge, Imagination and Communication.
Come and explore with us
See the EYFS come to life
Visit Little Leaps, meet the team and discover how play, relationships and individual planning support your child at Basildon or Grays.