EYFS
The Early Years Foundation Stage: the statutory framework every registered nursery, pre-school and childminder in England follows for children from birth to 5
By The Toddly editorial team · Last updated 11 November 2026
The EYFS sets the standards for learning, development and care from birth until the end of reception. It has two parts: the learning and development requirements, organised into seven areas (three prime areas, communication and language, physical development, and personal, social and emotional development, plus four specific areas), and the safeguarding and welfare requirements, which cover staff ratios, qualifications, first aid, food and premises. Ofsted inspects nurseries against it. Parents get a written progress check between ages 2 and 3, and at the end of reception teachers complete the EYFS profile. See Ofsted report cards explained.