Five reviews a year, tailored to your child.
We formally review each child's development five times a year — once per term, with an additional check at key transition points. Each review is aligned to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which sets out the developmental milestones we'd expect to see at different ages.
A review isn't a test or an assessment in the academic sense. It's a chance for your child's key person — who knows them well — to take stock of how they're developing across all areas: communication and language, physical development, personal and social development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts.
We look at what each child is doing, how they're feeling, and what they might be ready for next. And we share that with you. This is one part of the approach to early years care that shapes everything we do.
What we're looking at — and why it matters.
The EYFS organises child development into seven areas, three "prime" areas that underpin everything else, and four "specific" areas that develop alongside them.
Prime areas:
- Communication and language — listening, attention, understanding, speaking
- Physical development — moving, handling, health, self-care
- Personal, social and emotional development — relationships, self-confidence, self-awareness
Specific areas:
- Literacy — reading and writing readiness
- Mathematics — counting, shapes, problem-solving
- Understanding the world — people, communities, nature, technology
- Expressive arts and design — creating, imagining, making
Our reviews look at all seven, because all seven matter. A child who is thriving socially and emotionally learns more easily in every other area.
Your child's development is not a checklist.
Two children the same age can be at very different stages in different areas — and both can be doing absolutely fine. Our job is to understand where your child is, not to compare them to an average.
If a child is developing particularly quickly in one area, we extend the challenge. If they're finding something harder, we adapt our approach and, if needed, bring in additional support. We work with parents and, where appropriate, with external specialists, to make sure every child gets what they need.
What you'll receive.
After each review, you'll receive a written summary of your child's progress — shared through our parent portal — covering each area of development and noting what we're focusing on next. Your child's key person is always available to discuss the review in more detail.
In addition to the formal reviews, you'll have updates through our Famly app and at the door each day. We don't save important things for report time. See how learning journals and feedback work →
