"There is a clear sequence of learning to the setting's care and education plan, which sets out the skills and attributes that staff support children to learn and embed." - Ofsted report, February 2025

The Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS), produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, underpins the provision of early years childcare and development from birth through to the age of five. It is based on decades of research and practical experience and reflects on the fact that children seem to pass through similar sequences of development, but in different ways and at different paces.

At Fidgets we understand that all children are unique and we aim to provide a range of fun play-based activities that will support each child to take the next steps in their development at a pace that is right for them.

The EYFS is based on 4 principles:

1. Every child is unique and can be resilient, capable, confident and self assured.
2. Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving, secure and positive relationships. 
3. A rich and varied environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children's development and learning. 
4. Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. In their play children learn and develop at  their highest level.

We support the children in creating their own environment both indoors and outdoors, ensuring that toys and resources are easily accessible and that their own artwork and models are prominently displayed. We encourage them to develop their own independence by selecting and carrying out activities that they choose, exploring and expanding on their own ideas at their own pace. We recognise that children learn in different ways and to support this we enable free access to our outdoor space and provide a range of tactile, visual and auditory resources to stimulate their senses. We also provide a range of opportunities for children to enjoy dance, drama, music and language activities.

​We place a strong emphasis on supporting and encouraging social and emotional development at Fidgets and have found that children develop their social skills and their self-esteem when they are supported by both staff and by each other. Much focus is placed on group times such as meal times, story times and our 'treasure box' time where children are encouraged to bring things in from home to talk about and to show their friends.

For more information about the EYFS please click here.

Famly

In order to support and monitor your child's growth and development during their time at Fidgets we use Famly,  ‘A platform for early educators and families to collaborate, share admin, and learn new things'.

​Famly is where your child’s progress and development will be documented and assessed, and where pictures and videos detailing your child’s time at Fidgets will be recorded.  You can access your child’s learning journal via an app on your mobile device or through a computer and can get email notifications to let you know when a new observation has been added.

For more information about Famly click here.