Nursery World - Ofsted research highlights the need for leaders to prioritise the prime areas so children learn 'what they need'

Ofsted has published the second part of its early years research review, which aims to support practitioners in raising the quality of early education.

Part 2 of Ofsted's curriculum review focuses on the three prime areas of learning within the EYFS, PHOTO: Adobe Stock

‘The Best start in life part 2: the 3 prime areas of learning’, examines the factors that contribute to developing young children’s knowledge and skills in the three prime areas of learning in the EYFS – communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development.

It follows on from part 1 which explored staffing, curriculum and pedagogy in the early years.

The latest research highlights how frequent interactions between children and adults are ‘fundamental’ to developing young children’s knowledge in the prime areas and says that high-quality interactions are likely to take place when:

It goes on to say that ‘high-quality interactions are not sufficient in themselves to guarantee that all young children will learn what they need’, and that leaders need to prioritise the prime areas in curriculum thinking.’

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included