Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum

At Arcadia, we believe that the early years are a time of wonder, discovery, and growth; a time when children begin to make sense of the world and their place within it. Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is built around a simple but powerful vision: “Freedom with Guidance.” This philosophy lies at the heart of everything we do, shaping not just how we teach, but how we connect with children, design our environments, and build our community. The child is at the heart of everything we do. We take a truly child-centred approach, recognising each child as capable, curious, and full of potential. We believe learning unfolds best when it is meaningful and relevant to the child, and our planning reflects this — responsive, flexible, and always centred on the individual child’s needs and interests.

Freedom with Guidance means we value the natural curiosity of young children. We encourage them to explore, play, and follow their interests, knowing that real learning happens when children are truly engaged. They are given the space to make choices, express their ideas, take risks, and develop independence, all within a carefully considered environment that offers security, structure, and support. Play is never just play; it is a vital tool for thinking, for expressing emotions, for building relationships, and for beginning to understand themselves and the world around them.

A key feature of our approach is Explorer Time a dedicated period each day where children are immersed in high-quality continuous provision across our stimulating and engaging learning environments. Here, children follow their own learning paths, exploring open-ended resources and engaging in purposeful play that supports their physical, cognitive, and emotional development.