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About the Themes and Principles
Classification of the four principles and sixteen commitments of the EYFS. Each of the four themes - A Unique Child. Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments, Learning and Development - has a principle attached to it, and each principle has four commitments which explain how the principles can be put into practice.4.1 Play and Exploration
Play and Exploration is one of the commitments to the EYFS principle of Learning and development. The explanation of the commitment includes learning through experience, adult involvement and plenty of space and time to play outdoors and indoors. Practitioners need to ensure effective practice and reflection, overcoming time constraints and balancing creative learning with planning for the group.Adult involvement
Contexts for learning
Effective practice
Challenges and dilemmas
Reflecting on practice
4.2 Active Learning
‘Active Learning’ is one of the commitments to the EYFS principle of ‘Learning and development’. The explanation of the commitment includes description of how active learners need mental and physical involvement, and social and emotional engagement.Decision making
Personalised learning
Effective practice
Challenges and dilemmas
Reflecting on practice
4.3 Creativity and Critical Thinking
‘Creativity and critical thinking’ is one of the commitments to the EYFS principle of ‘Learning and development’. The explanation of the commitment includes description of learning through making connections, transforming understanding and sustaining shared thinking.Transforming understanding
Sustained shared thinking
Effective practice
Challenges and dilemmas
Reflecting on practice
4.4 Areas of Learning and Development
'Areas of Learning and Development' is one of the commitments to the EYFS principle of 'Learning and development'. The commitment includes the practice guidance for all six areas of Learning and Development: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication, Language and Literacy; Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy; Knowledge and Understanding of the World; Physical Development; and Creative Development.Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Communication, Language and Literacy
Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy (PSRN)
PSRN is one of the areas of the EYFS principle of 'Learning and development'. It details how problem solving, reasoning and numeracy are core to a baby or child's development, split into the aspects of: Numbers as labels and for counting; Calculating; and Shape, space and measures.Knowledge and Understanding of the World
Physical Development
Creative Development
Guidance on the provision of support for children's creativity: their curiosity, exploration and play. They must be provided with opportunities to explore and share their thoughts, creativity, ideas and feelings, for example, through a variety of art, music, movement, dance, imaginative and role-play activities, mathematics, and design and technology.
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