Early Years Foundation Stage
MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATUTORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE FOR GROUP AND SCHOOL BASED PROVIDERS (SEPT 2026)
EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE (EYFS)
Picnics After School Club is committed to providing high-quality, inclusive wraparound childcare that supports the learning, development and wellbeing of all children in our care.
We comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework for Group and School-based Providers (effective 1 September 2026) and meet all statutory safeguarding and welfare requirements for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
As a wraparound childcare provider, we complement children’s learning and development through high-quality play experiences, positive relationships and close partnership working with parents, carers and schools. Our provision promotes children’s independence, confidence, wellbeing and social development within a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.
We welcome inspection by Ofsted and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care through regular self-evaluation, reflective practice and continuous improvement.
EYFS Lead
Picnics After School Club has a designated EYFS Lead, who is responsible for ensuring that the needs of all children within the Early Years Foundation Stage are effectively met.
The EYFS Lead is responsible for:
- Identifying children who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Ensuring all staff know which children are in the EYFS age group and understand their responsibilities.
- Determining the child’s main EYFS provider where applicable.
- Assigning a Key Person for each EYFS child attending the club.
- Working in partnership with parents, carers and schools to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
- Ensuring appropriate information is shared with the child’s main EYFS provider, in line with data protection and safeguarding requirements.
- Liaising with schools and other professionals, where appropriate, to ensure continuity of care and support.
- Monitoring the quality of the provision for EYFS children and promoting continuous improvement.
- Supporting staff in implementing the EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements.
- Ensuring that all EYFS children have access to an inclusive, stimulating and play-based environment that reflects their individual interests, abilities and developmental needs.
Further information about the Early Years Foundation Stage is available from the Department for Education.
PLAY PRINCIPLES AND THE EYFS
At Picnics After School Club, we believe that play is fundamental to children’s learning, development and wellbeing. We provide a balance of child-initiated play and adult-led activities, allowing children the freedom to choose how they spend their time in a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment.
Our practice is guided by the four principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS):
- A Unique Child – We recognise that every child is unique and support them to develop confidence, resilience and independence through positive encouragement and praise.
- Positive Relationships – We build warm, caring relationships with children, parents, carers and schools to help every child feel safe, valued and supported.
- Enabling Environments – We provide an engaging and inclusive environment where children can explore, play and develop at their own pace. Activities are adapted to meet individual needs, including those of children with SEND.
- Learning and Development – We promote learning through high-quality play experiences that encourage creativity, communication, problem-solving, physical activity and social development.
At Picnics After School Club, every child is encouraged to play, explore and thrive in an environment that supports their well-being, development and enjoyment.
STATUTORY FRAMEWORK
Written in accordance with the Early years foundation stage statutory framework For group and school-based providers Setting the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five Dated: 13 July 2026 Effective: 01 September 2026