The EYFS builds upon the good practice included in previous frameworks, but for the first time explicitly recognises and celebrates a more holistic view of the child. The EYFS comprises four themes that express four important principles which underpin effective practice in the care, development and learning of young children.
| Theme |
Principles |
| A Unique Child |
Child Development: Skilful communicator, competent learner.
Inclusive Practice: Equality and diversity, children’s entitlements, early support.
Keeping Safe: Being safe and protected, discovering boundaries, making choices.
Health and Well-being: Growth and developing, physical and emotional wellbeing. |
| Positive Relationships |
Respecting Each Other: Understanding feelings, friendship, professional relationships.
Parents as Partners: Respecting diversity, communication, learning together.
Supporting Learning: Positive interactions, listening to children, effective teaching.
Key Person: Secure attachment, shared care, independence. |
| Enabling Environments |
Observation, Assessment and Planning: Starting with the child, planning, assessment.
Supporting Every Child: Children’s needs, the learning journey, working together.
The Learning Environment: The emotional environment, the outdoor environment, the indoor environment.
The Wider Context: Transitions and continuity, multi-agency working, the community. |
| Learning and Development |
Play and Exploration: Learning through experience, adult involvement, contexts for learning.
Active Learning: Mental and physical involvement, decision making, personalised learning.
Creativity and Physical Thinking: Making connections, transforming and understanding, sustained shared thinking.
Areas of Development and Learning. |
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The Areas of Development and Learning 
