EYFS Prime Learning Goals


By the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, it is expected that the children reach the following goals.

Communication and Language


Listening, Attention and Understanding

  • Listen attentively and respond to what they hear with relevant questions, comments and actions when being read to and during whole class discussions and small group interactions.
  • Make comments about what they have heard and ask questions to clarify their understanding.
  • Hold conversation when engaged in back-and-forth exchanges with their teacher and peers.

 

 

Speaking

  • Participate in small group, class and one-to-one discussions, offering their own ideas, using recently introduced vocabulary.
  • Offer explanations for why things might happen, making use of recently introduced vocabulary from stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems where appropriate.
  • Express ideas and feelings about their experiences using full sentences, including use of past, present and future tenses and making use of conjunctions, with modelling and support from their teacher.

 

 

 

Personal, Social and Emotional Development


Self-Regulation

  • Show an understanding of their own feelings and those of others, and begin to regulate their behaviour accordingly.
  • Set and work towards simple goals,being able to wait for what they want and control their immediate impulses when appropriate.
  • Give focused attention to what teacher says, responding appropriately even when engaged in activity, and show an ability to follow instructions involving several ideas or actions.

 

Managing Self

  • Be confident to try new activities and show independence, resilience and perseverance in the face of challenge.
  • Explain the reasons for rules, know right from wrong and try to behave accordingly.
  • Manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs, including dressing, going to the toilet and understanding the importance of healthy food choices.

 

Building Relationships

  • Work and play co-operatively and take turns with others.
  • Form positive attachments to adults and friendships with peers.
  • Show sensitivity to their own and to others' needs.

 

Physical Development


Gross Motor Skills

 

  • Negotiate space and obstacles safely, with consideration for themselves and others.
  • Demonstrate strength, balance and co-ordination when playing.
  • Move energetically, such as running, jumping, dancing, hopping, skipping and climbing.

 

Fine Motor Skills

 

  • Hold a pencil effectively in preparation for fluent writing - using the tripod grip in almost all cases.
  • Use a range of small tools, including scissors, paintbrushes and cutlery.
  • Begin to show accuracy and care when drawing.