When your little one starts exploring the world, every day feels like a new lesson. Early years learning is all about how children aged 0 to 5 grow, develop, and begin understanding people, places, and ideas.
Many parents in the UK also hear about the EYFS nursery education framework. Knowing what these terms mean helps you support your child with confidence, whether at home or in nursery, and understand how structured play shapes their learning. You can learn more about starting nursery and how it fits into your child’s early development.
What Is Early Years Learning and Why Does It Matter
You might ask, what is early years learning in the UK? Simply put, it refers to learning through play, exploration, and everyday experiences. It focuses on emotional growth, social skills, language, and thinking abilities, laying the foundations for future education. Activities may look like play but support important child development stages. For instance, stacking blocks improves problem-solving, coordination, and creativity simultaneously. At Lote Tree, the emphasis on learning through play ensures children develop confidently in a nurturing environment.
Understanding these foundations leads naturally into structured programmes like the EYFS framework.
Understanding the EYFS Framework in Nursery Education
In England, most early years settings follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. It sets standards for learning, development, and care from birth to five years. This applies to nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, and reception classes in schools. EYFS nursery education ensures all children have a broad, balanced start regardless of background.
The EYFS focuses on seven key areas of learning: communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts. Practitioners at Lote Tree plan daily nursery activities around these areas, using observations to guide development rather than formal tests. Understanding the EYFS can help parents feel confident about the quality of education their child receives.
Core Skills Children Develop in the Early Years
During the early years, children acquire essential skills in communication, physical coordination, literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. Singing nursery rhymes enhances language, while playing with peers teaches sharing and empathy, part of play-based learning for toddlers.
Here’s a snapshot of typical milestones between ages 2 to 5:
| Age Group | Development Focus | Example Skills |
| Around 2 | Language and Social | Forms two-word sentences, cooperates during play |
| 2–3 | Thinking and Problem-Solving | Follows simple instructions, engages in pretend games |
| Around 4 | Early Literacy and Numeracy | Recognises letters, counts to 10 or more |
Every child progresses at their own pace. At Lote Tree, tailored programmes in curriculumand observations ensure each child’s unique strengths are nurtured. (NHS Child Development Milestones)
How Parents Can Support Early Years Learning at Home
Helping your child learn at home can be simple. Reading together, creative play, and outdoor exploration all boost development. For example, a daily picture book routine encourages language and attention, while action songs strengthen memory and listening skills. Even a walk in the park can become a chance to discuss colours, shapes, and nature, supporting early learning at home.
Routines such as tidying toys together teach responsibility, and hands-on activities like drawing, role-play, and water play enhance creativity and movement. Parents can also access policy statements to learn ways to reinforce learning at home. When children feel supported and safe, they are more confident to explore new ideas.
Choosing the Right Nursery for Your Child
Many parents ask, how to choose a nursery in the UK that supports early learning? Start by visiting several settings to observe staff-child interactions. Are the practitioners warm and attentive? Do children appear happy and engaged in activities?
A high-quality nursery integrates the EYFS nursery education framework into all sessions. Lote Tree highlights why parents choose them, with trained staff, engaging play areas, and strong parent partnerships. Features such as outdoor space, parent communication, and structured learning programmes are essential. The following table shows why these features matter:
| Feature | What It Means | Why It Matters |
| Staff Training | Qualified early years practitioners | Supports child development effectively |
| Outdoor Space | Safe play areas | Encourages physical activity and creativity |
| Parent Communication | Regular updates | Keeps parents informed and involved |
Visiting nurseries and considering these factors ensures your child thrives in their early learning journey.
Common Challenges in Early Years Learning and How to Overcome Them
Every child faces challenges, and parents naturally worry. Separation anxiety is common, as is hesitation in joining group activities. Some children may develop skills at a slower pace. Observing, encouraging, and maintaining consistent routines often helps. Nurseries provide gentle support, while parents can reinforce learning at home. Lote Tree provides settling-in support for children struggling with separation.
With collaboration between home and nursery, most children adapt well, gaining confidence, social skills, and independence.
Examples of Early Years Learning Activities
Practical activities help children learn through play. For example, indoor block building develops coordination, puzzles boost problem-solving, and cooking activities introduce numeracy. Outdoor scavenger hunts teach observation and language skills.
Lote Tree’s gallery shows examples of creative arts and play-based learning, illustrating how children combine fun and learning. Activities like these complement structured EYFS programmes and allow parents to continue learning at home.
Measuring Progress in Early Years Learning
Parents often wonder how nurseries track early learning without exams. EYFS assessment is mostly observational. Practitioners watch children during daily routines to understand development and plan activities. Formal assessment occurs at the end of reception via the EYFS Profile. (Explore Education Statistics)
At home, you can monitor progress through language, coordination, confidence, and social interactions. Nurseries, like Lote Tree, provide regular updates to help you support your child’s growth effectively. (School Transitions)
Key Takeaways for Parents About Early Years Learning
Early years learning is about nurturing curiosity, confidence, and happiness. Your involvement at home and in nursery strengthens development. The EYFS nursery education framework provides structure, but love, encouragement, and everyday interactions are equally vital. Explore our sessions and fees or apply online to get started with your child’s journey.
FAQs
At what age does early years learning start?
Early years learning begins from birth and continues until age 5, when children usually move to Key Stage 1 in school.
How does EYFS nursery education differ from other preschool programmes?
The EYFS framework is statutory in England and sets clear standards for learning and development that all registered providers must meet. Programs outside England may follow different guidelines.
Can I support early years learning if my child is shy or hesitant?
Yes. Gentle encouragement, play that matches their interests and close communication with nursery staff can help build confidence.
How much screen time is appropriate in early learning?
Experts recommend limited screen time for children under 5, focusing more on active play, hands-on experiences and social interaction.
What should I expect from progress reports at nursery?
Nurseries should share observations on social skills, communication, physical development and other learning areas periodically, and explain how you can support these at home.