Which practice is essential for supporting children’s learning in EYFS?

Observation and assessment is crucial for supporting children's learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This practice allows educators to gain insights into each child's individual strengths, needs, interests, and progress. By closely observing children during activities, educators can identify learning milestones, track developmental progress, and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly to meet the diverse needs of the children in their care.

Also, this approach fosters a responsive learning environment where children feel understood and valued. It encourages children's engagement and motivation, as educators can tailor learning experiences that resonate with their interests and developmental stages. In contrast, regular standardized testing would not capture the nuances of a child's development and could create unnecessary pressure. Teacher-led instruction alone might limit children's opportunities for exploration and self-directed learning, while strict adherence to a fixed curriculum may not be flexible enough to respond to the individual needs of each child. Thus, observation and assessment stand out as the most effective method in supporting children's learning within the EYFS framework.