What is the EYFS? (Early Years Foundation Stage)
The EYFS is a framework which every Childcare setting (Nursery, Childminder, Pre-school) will use. It breaks down what we could expect a child to demonstrate at certain ages, along with providing support on how we can promote this. The Framework is split into 3 Prime Areas and
4 Specific Areas.
Personal, Social and Emotional
Communication and Language
Physical Development
Mathematics
Literacy
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design
In January 2015 we became the first Nursery in Sawtry to use an Interactive Learning Diary system as a tool to observe, track and assess their children using computer tablets within their setting. We currently use a mixture of paperbase and electronic paperwork to observe and track the children's progress.
The children can also participate, by viewing their own photographs, reflect on what they were doing at the time, add to their own learning journey’s and even comment what they want to learn next or what they are interested in learning more about. This adds another layer of depth to the observation and can link the original observation to more of the EYFS.
The Parent App is also an invaluable part of the process which enables parents to monitor their child's educational development from home or away from home, as many parents do today. Research has shown the importance of a parent's participation in their child's education and how this has a direct impact on their child’s learning and development. Parents can access their own child's learning journey through a secure internet portal and add to the journey with learning that is taking place at home during activities, hobbies and holidays.
To compliment this we have recently implemeted 'in the moment' planning. The core focus of this approach is the child, their interests and a knowldegale team to support, build on and introduce new language/ideas into their play. In the moment follows each child's individual learning journey by providing a stimulating and provocing environment both inside and out. We belive that the environment is the second teacher and is given great thought and planning.
Kimble's Day Nursery Manager, Laura Hurst describes the benefits of this new form of observing -
"As a Nursery Practitioner myself, I can appreciate the time taken in tracking observations, photos, ‘wow’ moments and assessments onto a paper file. Spare time to update folders and reports is rare in a busy Nursery setting. I feel that this is the best way to improve our setting and improve parent interaction, but also linking together with our 'in the moment' way of planning. "
