What is a curriculum?

Curriculum
A curriculum is what you want children planning
to learn in the time they are with you.
It must be based on the statutory early Find out more about how
years foundation stage (EYFS), which curriculum planning
gives you a framework that you can build
on, through the 7 areas of learning. helps give the children a
You can decide how best to deliver those better experience,
areas by creating a curriculum for your covering all early years
setting, then providing activities, play,
teaching and experiences that help all
foundation stage (EYFS)
children learn, develop and thrive. areas of learning.

What is an effective
curriculum?

An effective curriculum is a holistic and

ambitious plan that sets out what you
intend children in your setting to learn
and experience across all seven areas of
learning. It will be tailored to the age
group(s) you work with and should be
ambitious for all children.

What is pedagogy?

The approach you use to implement your

curriculum – to teach and support children
with what you want them to learn - is called
pedagogy. The EYFS framework does not
prescribe or mandate how settings should
approach pedagogy it should be ambitious for
all children. Practitioners should take into
account what children already know and can
do, building on their strengths and meeting
their development needs.
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What is a curriculum
progression model?

The curriculum can usefully be

considered as a progression model.
Progression meaning: children know
more, remember more and can
therefore do more of what was intended
in the curriculum across the learning
and development requirements in the
EYFS.

How effective curriculum Effective curriculum

planning, delivery, and planning and delivery
observation and assessment
supports early intervention As a practitioner, you can help all children
thrive and narrow any gaps in learning.
An effective approach to curriculum and Your role in effective curriculum planning
assessment will help you to identify where is critical in giving all children the best
additional help is needed. As an early experience and start to life.
year’s practitioner, you play an important
role in considering and meeting children’s You will need to:
• understand what children already
intellectual, physical and emotional needs.
This will help to ensure that every child know and can do
• identify what you want children to
in your setting receives high quality,
supportive care and education that helps learn and why you want them to learn
them thrive. If you observe that any child it now
• ensure the curriculum is holistic and
is not progressing or learning what you
wanted them to learn, you should adapt supports the development of all areas
your approach to help them secure the of learning, particularly in developing
learning. For example, you might offer language and extending vocabulary
different types of activity, teaching and (one of the three prime areas)
• plan how you will work in partnership
support, and consider whether more child-
led, adult-led or adult-guided support with parents and carers, and other
would make a difference. professionals where relevant
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Summary

• Consider what you want children to

learn, and plan your curriculum, before
you start delivering activities.

• Ensure your curriculum is holistic,

covering the 7 areas of learning in the
EYFS, using the statutory educational
programs (high-level curriculum
summaries) as a starting point.

• Consider using Development

Matters and EEF’s Evidence Store to
help you plan your curriculum.

• Do not use the early learning goals

Useful resources for curriculum (ELGs) as a curriculum starting point. • Plan and deliver activities,
planning: They should only be used as an teaching, play and experiences
assessment during the summer term at that help children learn what
• Development Matters is for all early the end of the reception year as part of you want them to learn.
year’s practitioners, teachers, the EYFS Profile assessment. • Observe and assess children’s
childminders and staff - it offers a progress and make changes to
top-level view of how children develop your activities and teaching to
and learn and can help to design an help each child.
effective early year’s curriculum, it • Consider when extra help, or
should guide, but not replace your specialist help, might help
professional judgement children with specific needs or
delays to progress.
• Education Endowment Foundation’s
(EEF) evidence store is a summary of
evidence-informed approaches to • From:
help educators to understand and
• Department for Education
reflect on their practice - you may
want to consider using the EEF to UK
help build your curriculum • Published:
• 17 December 2021
• Help for Early Years Providers has
• Updated:
helpful resources, activities and
support articles for childminders and • 25 July 2024
practitioners working with children
aged 0-5 years