Privacy Settings

Language Selector. Press to change the Cookie Notice language.

When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience.

Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.

In some cases, data obtained from cookies is shared with third parties and may be considered a “sale of personal information” under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). You can exercise your right to opt-out of that sharing at any time by disabling cookies.

Disable All

Enable All

Manage Consent Preferences

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Show Cookies

Name

Description

Analytics Cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources, so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies, we will not know when you have visited our site.

Show Cookies

Name

Description

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.

Show Cookies

Name

Description

Targeting Cookies

These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.

Show Cookies

Name

Description

Dismiss

Save & Close

What to Expect in the EYFS

A Guide for Parents

At Linden House Nursery, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum for all children. This provides us with a framework to monitor each child’s learning and development progress through observation, free play, and planned activities. The EYFS is designed to support the development of children and highlights the importance of the role of parents and carers in helping their child grow.

The EYFS includes the legal welfare requirements for registered childcare providers, the Seven areas of learning and development, assessments, and the Early Learning Goals (ELGs). We make sure to incorporate all seven areas into our early years curriculum, providing a stimulating learning environment for the children.

At Linden House Nursery, we believe that every child is special and deserves to be treated with love, care, and affection. We follow the 4 principles of the EYFS: A Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments, and Learning and Development. Our aim is to support each child in becoming a competent learner, building strong and secure relationships, and providing an environment that promotes their growth and learning

The Department for Education has published a new guide for parents – ‘What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage’ (formerly ‘What to expect when’) which guides parents through what to expect in their child’s development. It aligns with the new Development Matters to help practitioners engage with parents about their child’s development. Please view this document

Key Changes in the 2025 EYFS Framework

Stronger Focus on Communication and Language

The updated framework places even greater emphasis on helping children develop their speaking and listening skills. This means:

More storytelling and conversation time

Better support for children learning English as an additional language

Increased focus on vocabulary development

More opportunities for children to express their thoughts and feelings

Why this matters: Strong communication skills are the foundation for all future learning. Children who can express themselves clearly are more confident and better prepared for primary school.

Enhanced Support for Children with SEND

The new framework provides clearer guidance on supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This includes:

Earlier identification of additional needs

Better training for staff

More individualised learning approaches

Stronger partnerships between settings and families

Why this matters: Every child deserves the right support to reach their potential. The updated framework ensures no child is left behind.

Improved School Readiness

The 2025 framework puts greater emphasis on preparing children for the transition to Year 1. This involves:

Building independence skills

Developing concentration and listening abilities

Strengthening fine motor skills for writing

Fostering a love of learning

Why this matters: Children who feel confident and prepared for primary school are more likely to succeed academically and socially.

Digital Literacy Integration

Recognising our increasingly digital world, the new framework includes age-appropriate technology use:

Safe introduction to digital tools

Understanding of online safety concepts

Creative use of technology for learning

Balance between screen time and hands-on activities

Why this matters: Children need to develop healthy relationships with technology from an early age whilst maintaining crucial real-world experiences.

What Parents Can Expect

At Nursery or Pre-school

Your child's setting will now:

Provide more detailed progress updates

Offer clearer information about how you can support learning at home

Use new assessment methods that better capture your child's development

Focus more on your child's individual interests and needs

Transition to Reception

The handover process between nursery and primary school will be:

More detailed and comprehensive

Include specific information about your child's learning style

Provide clearer targets for continued development

Ensure continuity in your child's learning journey

How Educators Are Adapting

Early years practitioners across the country have been preparing for these changes through:

Professional Development: New training programmes to understand the updated requirements

Resource Updates: Fresh materials and activities that align with the framework

Assessment Changes: New ways of observing and recording children's progress

Partnership Working: Stronger collaboration with parents and other professionals

Supporting Your Child at Home

The new framework emphasises the importance of learning at home. Here are simple ways you can support your child's development:

Communication and Language

Read together daily

Have conversations about your day

Sing nursery rhymes and songs

Ask open-ended questions like "What do you think would happen if...?"

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Encourage independence with dressing and tidying up

Practice sharing and taking turns

Talk about feelings and emotions

Set consistent, gentle boundaries

Physical Development

Provide opportunities for active play

Practice using scissors, pencils, and paintbrushes

Encourage outdoor exploration

Support healthy eating habits

Literacy and Numeracy

Point out letters and numbers in everyday situations

Count objects during daily activities

Encourage mark-making and early writing

Share books and discuss stories

What This Means for School Readiness

The updated framework aims to ensure children are better prepared for formal learning.
By the time your child starts Year 1, they should be able to:

Listen and follow instructions

Express their needs and ideas clearly

Show curiosity and enthusiasm for learning

Work and play cooperatively with others

Demonstrate basic literacy and numeracy skills

Common Questions from Parents

Q: Will my child be doing more formal learning earlier?

A: No, the framework still emphasises learning through play. The focus is on high-quality interactions and
experiences rather than formal lessons.

Q: How will I know if my child is meeting expectations?

A: Your child's setting will provide regular updates using new assessment methods that give a clearer picture of progress.

Q: What if my child has additional needs?

A: The updated framework provides better guidance for supporting all children, with earlier identification and more tailored support.

Literacy and Numeracy

Point out letters and numbers in everyday situations

Count objects during daily activities

Encourage mark-making and early writing

Share books and discuss stories

What This Means for School Readiness

The updated framework aims to ensure children are better prepared for formal learning.
By the time your child starts Year 1, they should be able to:

Listen and follow instructions

Express their needs and ideas clearly

Show curiosity and enthusiasm for learning

Work and play cooperatively with others

Demonstrate basic literacy and numeracy skills

Looking Ahead

The 2025 EYFS framework represents a significant step forward in early years education. By focusing on communication, inclusion, school readiness, and appropriate technology use, it aims to give every child the best possible foundation for their educational journey.

For educators, this is an opportunity to refine practice and improve outcomes for children. For parents, it means your child will receive more personalised, high-quality early education that prepares them for future success.

Getting Involved

If you're a parent, don't hesitate to:

Ask your child's setting about how they're implementing the changes

Request information about supporting learning at home

Share observations about your child's interests and development

Attend parent meetings and information sessions

If you're an educator, consider:

Accessing additional training opportunities

Collaborating with colleagues to share best practices

Engaging more actively with families

Reflecting on your current practice and identifying areas for development

The new EYFS framework is designed to benefit everyone involved in a child's early education. By working together—educators, parents, and children—we can ensure these important early years provide the strongest possible foundation for lifelong learning and development.

For more information about the EYFS framework updates, visit your local authority's education website or speak with your child's early years setting.

At Linden House Nursery, we believe that every child is special and deserves to be treated with love, care, and affection. We follow the 4 principles of the EYFS: A Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments, and Learning and Development. Our aim is to support each child in becoming a competent learner, building strong and secure relationships, and providing an environment that promotes their growth and learning

Linden House Nursery

83 west street
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
Lu61se

Useful Links

Contact

Website by DLL Webdesigns