Early years curriculum frameworks

UK early years curricula

England

The Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework applies in England for early years provision for children from birth to 5.

Scotland

Realising the Ambition: Being Me is the national practice guidance for early years in Scotland, and Education Scotland provides a useful summary of early learning and childcare resources.

Children from 3 to 6 are covered by the Curriculum for Excellence.

Wales

The Curriculum for Wales covers all schools with children from age 3 upwards, and also includes a curriculum for funded non-maintained settings.

Northern Ireland

Preschool settings are covered by the Curricular Guidance for Pre-School Education

Children aged 4-6 in schools are covered by the Foundation Stage curriculum.

Further reading

Cultural capital

This article by Early Education Associate Anni McTavish explores the term “cultural capital”, and what it might mean for early years practitioners and their settings.

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