EYFS Curriculum Explained for Dubai Parents

Quick answer: The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the British framework for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years. It sets out seven areas of learning and is taught mainly through play. British curriculum nurseries and schools in Dubai use it for the nursery years, FS1 and FS2, before children move into Year 1.

What is the EYFS curriculum?

The EYFS is the statutory framework published by the UK Department for Education. In England, schools and registered early years providers have to follow it. It covers what children should learn, how their progress is checked, and the welfare standards that keep them safe. You can read the full EYFS statutory framework on GOV.UK.

In Dubai, nurseries are licensed by KHDA and can choose their curriculum. British curriculum nurseries use the EYFS.

What are the seven areas of learning in the EYFS?

There are three prime areas, which come first for babies and toddlers, and four specific areas that build on them.

Prime areas

• Communication and language: listening, understanding and speaking.

• Physical development: large movements such as running and climbing, and small movements such as holding a pencil.

• Personal, social and emotional development: making friends, managing feelings and building confidence.

Specific areas

• Literacy: enjoying books, phonics and early writing.

• Mathematics: counting, numbers, shapes and patterns.

• Understanding the world: people, places, nature and technology.

• Expressive arts and design: art, music, movement and role play.

How is the EYFS taught?

Through play, with an adult guiding it. A child building a tower is practising maths, hand control and problem solving in one activity. Teachers plan activities around each child's interests, watch what the child can do, and plan the next step from there. The framework describes three ways young children learn: playing and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically.

What are FS1 and FS2?

FS1 and FS2 are the last two years of the EYFS.

• FS1 (Foundation Stage 1) is for children aged 3 to 4. It is the same stage as Pre-KG.

• FS2 (Foundation Stage 2) is for children aged 4 to 5. It is the same stage as KG1, and is called Reception in the UK.

At the end of FS2, teachers assess each child against 17 early learning goals. After FS2 children move into Year 1. For the entry ages that apply in Dubai from 2026–27, see our guide to nursery, FS1 and FS2 ages.

Is the EYFS a good choice if we plan a non-British school later?

Yes. The seven areas cover the same early skills every school system looks for: language, early reading and number work, independence and social skills. Children who complete the EYFS move on to British, IB, American and other curriculum schools in Dubai.

How does Kinder Castle Nursery use the EYFS?

Kinder Castle Nursery follows a British EYFS-based approach for children aged 45 days to 5 years, with a programme for each stage:

• Infant Care (0 to 1 year)

• Toddlers (1 to 2 years)

• Nursery (2 to 3 years)

• Foundation Stage 1 (3 to 4 years)

• Foundation Stage 2 (4 to 5 years)

Children also learn Arabic and French and join extra-curricular activities. Parents receive daily updates and regular progress summaries through the Illumine app. The nursery has two branches in Dubai: Dubai Sports City and Meydan Heights.

Frequently asked questions

What age does the EYFS cover?

From birth to 5 years, up to the end of FS2.

Is EYFS the same as the British curriculum?

The EYFS is the early years stage of the English national system. Children finish the EYFS in FS2 and then start Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum in Year 1.

Do children sit tests in the EYFS?

No. Teachers observe children during everyday activities and record their progress. There are no written exams.

How can I support EYFS learning at home?

Talk and read with your child every day, count things together, let them help with simple jobs, and give them time for free play. These everyday moments cover most of the seven areas.