If you're a parent with a child in nursery or reception, or an educator working in early years, you've probably heard about the new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework that came into effect on 1st September 2025. But what does this actually mean for your child's daily experience at nursery or school?

What is the EYFS Framework?

The Early Years Foundation Stage framework is the government's guideline for how children aged 0-5 should learn and develop in nurseries, pre-schools, and reception classes across England. Think of it as the roadmap that helps teachers and childcare providers give your child the best possible start in life.

The framework covers everything from how children learn to count and recognise letters, to developing social skills and emotional wellbeing. It's been updated for 2025 to reflect the latest research on how young children learn best.

Key Changes in the 2025 EYFS Framework

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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.