Children in the 'Early Years'  Foundation Stage

What are the 'Early Years'

The 'Early Years' is the name given to the time when a child is aged under 5. i.e. the pre school stage, where most learning is provided either by the parent in the home or, more recently, through the Government Sure Start and Nursery Provision.

Child Development

Although there is little formalised learning in the 'Early Years', children between 3 and 5 are gaining the pre-requisites for developing their social, literacy, numeracy and cognitive skills. Many educational toys may target aspects of these.

A key fact though is that central to the acquisition of these skills in the 'Early Years' is the development of gross and fine motor skills. 'Movement is a child's first language'. Due to changes in society, young children are now leading a much less active lifestyle and the development of these skills is being delayed. Teachers find that on entry to reception, most children do not have the expected motor skills and some schools have now instigated structured motor programmes to help them.

How to improve matters

It is essential that children in the Early Years once more start learning in a pre school environment. In too many cases parents do not know how to help their child's development - and teachers may lack the resources to implement suitable programmes. A valuable educational trial has now been trialed in Darlington with extremely positive results. The Child Development Programme is suitable for children pre school and can help with early learning and child development. Nursery education in the early years foundation stage is important early education and educational toys can be of great benefit for preschool activities.

Click here to find out how children in the Early Years can learn from the Child Development Programme of preschool activities