Preparing your EYFS and primary classroom (2024)

FAQs

How do you organize an EYFS classroom? ›

One of the first areas I like to think about when setting up an EYFS classroom is the carpet area. This is a space that children will use regularly throughout the day. One of my EYFS classroom must-haves is a visual timetable to display and show the children the different activities and events throughout the day.

Ten questions on experience and background

Describe your daily routine as an EYFS TA. Explain the primary responsibilities of teaching assistants. Describe a time when you managed a group of children. Are you familiar with the statutory framework for the early years foundation stage?

Children should choose and be guided towards activities that help them learn across the different areas of development. Ongoing assessment by adults through observation, questioning and looking at individual outcomes. Visual and verbal mental aids. Time and space for imaginative play - indoors and outside.

Creating small, cosy EYFS areas where children can explore and talk freely without the pressure of adult intervention is vital in the early years. Use canopies, arches and even the tables you no longer need to provide children with spots where they feel safe and secure enough to share their thoughts.

The environment must be adaptable to ensure each child receives a personal learning journey which is based on their own individual interests and experiences. The structure of the session must be designed to allow children to make choices and engage in continuous periods of uninterrupted play.

The three C's are basically confidence, communication and common sense. There is an extremely fine line between confidence and over-confidence. So be sure to understand both well.

When children feel emotionally safe and secure they are able to explore and find out about the place they are in and the things they can see, touch, manoeuvre or manipulate. In the EYFS the environment is described in terms of three aspects: The emotional environment, the outdoor environment, the indoor environment.

What are the 3 enabling environments? ›

These values are embedded in the Early Years Foundation Stage and are represented under the guiding principle of Enabling Environments. My space is a self-evaluation and development resource organised under three headings: the emotional environment, the indoor environment and the outdoor environment.

(Ages 3-5)

This document identifies and articulates the characteristics of five Key Elements that are fundamental to achieving high-quality experiences and strong outcomes for preschool children: the learning environment, daily routine, adult-child relationships, teaching practices, and family engagement.

Areas that deliver the highest levels of involvement are the role-play areas, creative area (including sewing), small blocks, sand, water, play dough and small world equipment (including cars and dinosaurs).

There should be no dead space which promotes random or illegitimate activity. Arrange the room so that the teacher can monitor quickly and easily (no blind spots) Use vertical space for display and learning enrichments. Keep active areas distinctly separate from quiet spaces.