The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a framework that sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years old in the United Kingdom. It provides guidance and curriculum requirements for early years providers, including nurseries, preschools and childminders.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on curriculum diversification in  early years foundation stage nursery settings. This means providing a range of activities, experiences and resources that reflect the diverse backgrounds, cultures and abilities of children in the setting.

Play-based learning for early development:

Play is a natural way for children to learn new skills. Activities such as building with blocks, dressing up, or role-playing encourage creativity. Through these activities, children explore different ideas while improving their communication and social skills. Learning through play allows them to discover new concepts in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

Outdoor learning for exploration:

Spending time outside introduces children to different environments. Activities like gardening, sand play, or nature walks give children opportunities to observe and interact with the people around them. Running, jumping, and balancing on playground equipment also support physical development. Outdoor learning brings variety to the nursery day and encourages movement and discovery.

Arts and crafts for creativity:

Creative activities introduce children to colors, textures, and patterns. Painting, drawing, and cutting shapes allow them to express themselves in different ways. Using materials like clay, fabric, and natural objects adds more variety to the experience. Simple tasks such as finger painting or collaging help develop fine motor skills while keeping learning fun.

Music and movement for expression:

Singing songs, clapping rhythms, and dancing to music introduce children to sounds and patterns. Music activities improve listening skills, while movement-based activities encourage coordination. Nursery rhymes, musical instruments, and action songs are simple ways to bring variety into daily learning. Children also enjoy expressing emotions through dance and movement.

Early literacy and language activities:

Storytelling, reading picture books, and singing nursery rhymes introduce new words and sounds. Puppets and interactive story sessions encourage children to listen and join in. Writing activities such as tracing letters, drawing simple shapes, or using magnetic letters make early literacy more engaging. These activities support language development and build confidence in communication.

Basic maths through hands-on activities:

Counting games, sorting objects by color or size, and matching shapes introduce early maths concepts. Playing with measuring cups, stacking blocks, and using number songs makes learning numbers part of everyday activities. Puzzles and pattern games also encourage logical thinking in a playful way.