The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, September 2021 sets out the seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational programmes in early years settings. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.

Early Learning Goals (ELG)

The level of progress children should be expected to have attained by the end of their EYFS reception year is defined by the early learning goals, or ELGs.

Understanding the World.

The frequency and range of children’s personal experiences increases their knowledge and sense of the world around them – from visiting parks, libraries and museums to meeting important members of society such as police officers, nurses and firefighters.

In addition, listening to a broad selection of stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems will foster their understanding of our culturally, socially, technologically and ecologically diverse world.

As well as building important knowledge, this extends their familiarity with words that support understanding across domains.

Enriching and widening children’s vocabulary will support later reading comprehension.