Part Three · Reference

Glossary of early years terms

Graduated Approach: A cycle of support (Assess, Plan, Do, Review) used to help children with SEND.
SENCO: A designated member of staff who leads on the setting's SEND provision.
Key Person: A named practitioner who is the primary point of contact for a child and their family.
Development Matters: The non-statutory government guidance that helps practitioners implement the EYFS.
Prime Areas: Communication and Language, Physical Development, and PSED.
Specific Areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design.
Progress Check at Two: A statutory assessment completed by the health visitor and/or practitioner when a child is between 24-36 months.
EYFS Profile: A summary of a child’s development against the Early Learning Goals at the end of Reception.
Early Learning Goals (ELGs): The 17 goals children are expected to reach by the end of the EYFS.
Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning: How a child learns: Playing and Exploring, Active Learning, and Creating and Thinking Critically.
EAL (English as an Additional Language): Children who speak one or more languages other than English at home.
In the Moment Planning: A child-led approach where the adult follows the child’s interests to extend learning.
Open-ended Resources: Activities that have no set outcome, allowing for creativity (e.g., building blocks).
Enabling Environment: The physical and emotional space where a child feels safe and challenged to learn.
School Readiness: A set of skills (social, emotional, and physical) that help a child transition to formal schooling.
Mark-making: Early marks made by a child that represent the beginnings of writing.
Role-play: Play where children take on roles and act out scenarios.
Pedagogy: The professional methods and practice of teaching young children.
Gross Motor Skills: Physical skills involving large muscle movements like running or climbing.
Fine Motor Skills: Physical skills involving small muscle movements, particularly in the hands and fingers.

Glossary of early years terms

Further reading and sources