4.4 Areas of Learning and Development

Introduction

The EYFS is made up of six areas of Learning and Development. All areas of Learning and Development are connected to one another and are equally important. All areas of Learning and Development are underpinned by the principles of the EYFS.

The areas of Learning and Development are:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication, Language and Literacy
• Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World
• Physical Development
• Creative Development.

Learning and Development

• The six areas of Learning and Development together make up the skills, knowledge and experiences appropriate for babies and children as they grow, learn and develop.
• Although these are presented as separate areas, it is important to remember that for children everything links and nothing is compartmentalised.
• The challenge for practitioners is to ensure that children's learning and development occur as an outcome of their individual interests and abilities and that planning for learning and development takes account of these.

Effective Practice

Each area of Learning and Development card shows how settings can effectively implement that particular area by ensuring that children have appropriate experiences and are supported by:

• Positive Relationships
• Enabling Environments

Requirements

There are separate requirements for each area of Learning and Development shown in 'Requirements' on each of the areas of Learning and Development cards. The requirements set out what practitioners must provide in order to support babies' and children's development and learning in each aspect and area of Learning and Development of the EYFS.