7 Area Planning

The 7 areas of learning and development – a guide for parents
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) areas of learning and development have been
produced by the government and early years professionals for use by all early years providers
including childminders.
We use the areas of learning and development when we are observing, assessing and planning for
your child’s individual needs. The areas of learning and development make sure that we are
constantly challenging your child and helping them to develop and succeed.
There are 7 areas of learning and they are split into 2 parts –
1.

The 3 prime areas – which are for all children and will always be the main focus of our
planning and activities for babies and children under 3

2. The 4 specific areas – which are mostly used for the older children (over 3s) but are also
relevant for younger children

These are the 3 prime areas –
Personal, social and emotional
development

This area of learning and development is about how your child…
Is confident and self assured
Manages their feelings and behaviour
Makes friends
Shares and takes turns

Physical development

This area of learning and development is about how your child…
Moves and uses gross motor skills
Develops fine motor skills
Learns about healthy living
Manages self care independently

Communication and language

This area of learning and development is about how your child…
Listens and pays attention
Understands what is being said
Communicates with others
Develops vocabulary and speech

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Layout © Sarah Neville / www.knutsfordchildminding.co.uk, 2012

These are the 4 specific areas –
Literacy

This area of learning and development is about how your child…
Enjoys reading books
Likes making marks
Learns to write
Starts to explore phonics and letter sounds

Mathematics

This area of learning and development is about how your child…
Learns about numbers and counting
Recognises the...