During the Early Years Foundation Stage, the essential building blocks of children’s design and technology capability are established. There are many opportunities for carrying out D&T-related activities in all areas of learning in the EYFS.
By the end of the EYFS, most children should be able to:
Construct with a purpose in mind, using a variety of resources.
Use simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately
Build and construct with a wide range of objects, selecting appropriate resources and adapting their work when necessary.
Select the tools and techniques they need to shape, assemble and join materials they are using.
D&T-related activities in the EYFS should be appropriate to the developmental stage of the children. Activities should look quite different from those carried out in KS1. Effective practice in the EYFS has the following characteristics:
Designing does not necessarily entail drawing.
Designing can mean using hand gestures, arranging and re-arranging materials and components, talking and listening.
The designing and making process is fluid.
Sometimes practical skills are taught directly.
Children have frequent opportunities to develop practical skills with a range of materials.
Children have frequent opportunities to explore construction kits.
Children have frequent opportunities to explore existing products.
Activities are appropriate to children’s prior experience.
Context is sometimes set by teacher, sometimes by the children.
2023 - 2024
2023 - 2024
2022 - 2023