Understanding the Early Years Foundation Stage Without the Overwhelm

If you’re becoming a childminder, you must understand the EYFS but the truth is, the framework can feel confusing, wordy and full of jargon if you’re reading it for the first time.

This guide breaks the EYFS down in a simple, practical way so you not only understand what it means but also know how to apply it in your home setting every single day.

You’ll learn exactly what Ofsted expects, what you’re legally responsible for, and how to meet EYFS standards without stress.

What Is the EYFS? (In Simple Terms)

The EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) is the statutory framework that sets the standards for learning, development, and care for children from birth to 5 years old.

It tells you:

• What children should learn

• The areas of development you must support

• How to keep children safe

• What policies and procedures you need

• What Ofsted will inspect you on

It’s not a curriculum.
It’s a guide showing you what children need, you decide how you deliver it in your home.

Part 1: The 7 Areas of Learning (Explained Simply)

The EYFS breaks learning into 7 areas:

1. Communication & Language

• Talking

• Listening

• Understanding

• Building vocabulary

Simple activities: stories, singing, conversations at mealtimes.

2. Personal, Social & Emotional Development (PSED)

• Confidence

• Friendships

• Understanding feelings

• Independence

Activities: turn-taking games, emotions cards, helping with small tasks.

3. Physical Development

• Gross motor (running, climbing)

• Fine motor (mark-making, threading)

Activities: outdoor play, playdough, drawing.

Specific Areas

4. Literacy

• Reading

• Phonics exposure

• Early writing

Activities: story time, mark-making, name recognition.

5. Mathematics

• Counting

• Shapes

• Patterns

• Comparing sizes

Activities: puzzles, counting toys, simple number games.

6. Understanding the World

• Nature

• People and communities

• Simple technology

Activities: walks, planting seeds, exploring seasonal changes.

7. Expressive Arts & Design

• Arts

• Music

• Imaginative play

Activities: painting, role-play, dancing.

Part 2: What Ofsted Wants to See

Ofsted isn’t checking whether your children can read early or count to 100.

They’re checking YOU:

• Do you understand how children learn?

• Are your activities meaningful?

• Can you talk about each child’s development?

• Do you plan based on what the child needs next?

• Is your home set up to support the EYFS?

If you can explain these confidently, you’ll pass this part of the inspection with ease.

Part 3: EYFS Planning Made Simple (No Paperwork Overload)

Many new childminders overcomplicate planning.
But the EYFS makes it very clear:

Planning must be simple, flexible, and based on the child.

Here’s a no-stress approach:

1. Observe Naturally

Watch what the child is playing with and interested in.
No formal observation needed.

2. What does this tell you?

• Are they learning new words?

• Are they curious about numbers?

• Do they prefer sensory play?

3. Plan a small next step

If a child loves cars → add ramps for exploring speed.
If they love stories → add puppets.

That’s it.

No huge folders.
No daily written plans.
No complicated diagrams.

Part 4: EYFS Safety Requirements for Childminders

 

The EYFS contains several mandatory rules. Key ones include:

✔ Childminding ratios

• 1:3 under 5

• Only 1 under 1

• Total of 6 under 8

✔ Supervision

You must always be able to see or hear children.

✔ Record Keeping

• Accidents

• Medication

• Complaints

• Attendance

✔ Safeguarding

You must follow EYFS section 3 and know the signs of abuse.

✔ Food & Hygiene

Clean kitchen, allergy awareness, safe food prep.

If you follow these, you meet 95% of the framework already.

Part 5: Setting Up Your Home to Support EYFS Learning

You don’t need a perfect “Pinterest” space, just:

✔ Accessible toys

Children choose their own activities.

✔ Rotated learning resources

Keep things fresh and stimulating.

✔ A cosy book area

Encourages literacy and communication.

✔ Outdoor opportunities

Garden or daily park outings.

✔ Real-life learning

Cooking, helping tidy up, nature walks.

Your home is already full of EYFS learning opportunities.

Part 6: How to Evidence Learning Without Stress

Ofsted does not require long written observations.

You can show evidence through:

• Photos

• Notes on your phone

• A simple observation sheet

• Talking confidently during inspection

• Your daily routine and environment

Most childminders use:

“2 photos + 2 sentences”

That’s enough to show progress, interests, and next steps.