Characteristics of Effective Learning set out how children learn and develop.
A Unique Child
Every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assumed.
Positive Relationship
Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
Enabling Environments
Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners, parents and carers.
Learning and Development
Children develop and learn in different ways. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special education needs and disabilities.
Our thinking about play has been influenced over the years by the work of many educationalists, psychologists, researchers and practitioners, and much has been written about how young children learn and how adults can support this learning.
Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children. Practitioners also have a key role in building the right conditions for learning.
The EYFS takes an approach of providing the children with a balance of child initiated play and adult focused learning. Children’s choices and interests are the driving force for building knowledge, skills and understanding. This is crucial information to know when setting up and in order to plan for an enabling environment.
“Babies and young children are powerful learners, reaching out into the world and making sense of their experiences with other people, objects and events. As they explore grow and learn, children are naturally drawn to play”.
Nancy Stewart
How Children Learn
