What your child will learn in Early Years

When parents think about Early Years education, one of the first questions they ask is, "What will my child actually learn?"

It’s an understandable question. Families want to know that their child will be happy, cared for and enjoying school. But they also want reassurance that meaningful learning is taking place and that their child is building strong foundations for the future.

At BSKL, children learn through a carefully balanced combination of purposeful play, exploration and expert teaching. While learning may look different from what many adults experienced at school, every activity has a purpose and contributes to a child's development.

There are three Prime Areas of Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework. These are Communication and Language, Physical Development, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development, which provide the foundations for children’s learning and development.

Communication and Language is particularly important. Through storytelling, songs, conversations and role play, children develop their vocabulary, listening skills and confidence to express their ideas. These skills form the foundations for future reading, writing and learning.

Physical Development helps children develop strength, coordination and control through movement, outdoor play and fine motor activities, supporting both independence and later skills such as writing.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development supports children to build relationships, manage their emotions, develop resilience and become increasingly independent.

Together, these three Prime Areas provide the essential foundations for children to thrive, learn and develop across all areas of the EYFS.

Children also begin developing strong literacy skills from an early age. They are introduced to books, rhymes and phonics through engaging activities that spark curiosity and enjoyment. Rather than simply memorising letters and sounds, children learn to connect language with meaning, helping them become enthusiastic and confident young readers.

Mathematics is embedded throughout everyday learning experiences. Whether children are counting blocks, comparing quantities, identifying patterns or solving practical problems, they are developing essential mathematical understanding. These experiences help children build confidence and number sense in ways that feel natural and meaningful.

Creativity also plays a vital role in learning. Through art, music, drama and imaginative play, children explore ideas, express themselves and develop confidence in their own thinking. Creativity encourages curiosity, innovation and flexible problem-solving - qualities that are increasingly valuable in today's world.

According to BSKL's Head of Early Years, Lana Turner, "parents are often surprised by how much learning takes place through purposeful play”.

“Every day, we see children developing their communication and self-regulation skills, as well as their early literacy, mathematical thinking and independence, in ways that are meaningful and long-lasting.”

Children also benefit from specialist experiences including music, drama, languages and swimming, helping them develop confidence, communication skills and physical coordination from an early age.

“By the time children complete their Early Years journey at BSKL, they have developed much more than academic knowledge,” said Lana. “They have built confidence, curiosity, resilience and a genuine love of learning. These are the foundations that prepare them not only for Year 1, but for future success throughout their educational journey.”