Website of the UK government

Where the EYFS applies

All schools and registered early years providers in the maintained, private, voluntary and independent sectors attended by children from birth to five years old have to use the EYFS. This includes:

• reception and nursery classes in maintained and independent schools
• day nurseries
• childminders
• playgroups
• after school and breakfast clubs
• holiday playschemes
• Children’s Centres

For more information about what type of early years services are available in your area, ask your local authority.

• Find your local authority Opens new window

Where it doesn't apply

The following groups are not covered:

• mother and toddler groups
• nannies
• short-term, occasional care (eg crèches)
  

What does the Early Years Foundation Stage do?

The EYFS ensures:

• children learn through play
• providers work closely with parents
• your child’s learning at home is taken into account
• you are kept up-to-date on your child’s progress
• the welfare, learning and all-round development of children with different backgrounds and levels of ability, including those with special educational needs and disabilities

Further support for parents

Copies of a height chart – Learning and Growing Together – can be ordered from local authorities and Children’s Centres. It provides parents with information on how to help their child’s learning and development at home.

Learning and Growing Together – Ref: 00672-2007POS-EN

You can also get more information about how the EYFS will work by following the link below to a leaflet for parents:

• It's child's play - Early Years Foundation Stage (PDF, 1.09MB) Opens new window
• Help with PDF files

More useful links

• Helping your child to learn: under fives
• Special educational needs in under fives
• Childcare
• The Early Years Foundation Stage Opens new window