The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage

The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the legal requirements and standards that early years providers must follow to ensure children’s safety, health, and developmental progress from birth to age five. It outlines essential principles, including promoting children’s well-being, fostering their learning through play, and working in partnership with families. The framework specifies specific areas of learning and development—such as communication, physical, and emotional skills—and mandates proper safeguarding, qualification standards for staff, and suitable environments to support each child's individual needs.