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Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning

How children learn is as important as what they learn. Through the "Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning" we observe and develop children’s learning behaviours and nurture their natural curiosity.

The EYFS Statutory Framework identifies three characteristics of effective teaching and learning:

Playing and exploring - children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’

Active learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements

 • Creating and thinking critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things

‘What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage: a parent guide’ pages 22-26 gives further information about the importance of the ‘Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning’ and how staff and parents can support children to become ‘even more powerful learners’.

What to expect in the Early Years