Theories Underpinning the EYFS

Course Description

This course looks at the psychological theories of early childhood learning and development that inform the Early Years Foundation Stage. It refreshes the knowledge and understanding of level 3 and above qualified practitioners and provides an introduction to psychological theories of learning and development to those who are new to the early years sector. It outlines the interrelationships of physical, emotional and cognitive factors in a child’s early development and considers the early years practitioner’s role in supporting young children’s secure attachment, learning and development

Course Content

The Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS)​
• Overarching principles and main sections
• Learning and development elements

The development of the young brain
• Development of the young brain from ages 0-5
• Dr Dan Siegal’s: The brain in your hand
• Key parts of the brain
• The developing cerebral cortex
• The importance of making connections within the brain
• The relevance of brain development to the EYFS

How children learn
• Characteristics of learning in the young brain
• The relevance of how children learn to the EYFS

Attachment​
• The importance of relationships in children’s learning
• The relevance of attachment to the EYFS

Developmental psychology theories of learning
• Universal stage theories
• Mary Sheridan – developmental milestones
• Jean Piaget – three main stages of cognitive development
• The relevance of universal stage theories of development to the EYFS
• Constructivist theories
• Margaret Donaldson – learning is a ‘holistic’ process
• Lev Vygotsky - the Zone of Proximal Development
• Jerome Bruner - ‘scaffolding’ learning
• Uri Bronfenbrenner - the ‘ecological model’
• Erik Erikson - psychosocial development
• The relevance of constructivist theories to the EYFS

Summary​
• Key learning points

Key Features

• Written by experts at the Pre-School Learning Alliance 

• A fully interactive course, including optional narration for accessibility, comprising one module and one questionnaire.

• One CPD hour with a personalised downloadable certificate.

• 70% pass mark

How to apply

This online training course normally costs £18.59 but is available free to Childcare.co.uk gold members. For more details see our online training page.