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When planning your EYFS classroom layout for the foundation stage, it can be quite tricky! Here are five important tips to guide you through the process. I can relate to your experience because this week has been incredibly stressful for me too! Transitioning from a classroom I’ve been in for five years, I completely forgot how challenging it is to plan a learning environment from scratch! Scouring for resources and figuring out the logistics, especially with the restrictions in place, can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
EYFS Classroom Layout Area’s (Spaces)
The first thing you need to do when setting up your classroom is to ensure you have areas for the following:
- Literacy/ Writing / Mark Making Area
- Numeracy Area
- ICT Area
- Role Play Area
- Construction Area
- Small World Area
- Creative Area
- Sand and Water Area
- Reading Corner
Here are some others you could add:
- Investigation Area
- Finger Gym
- Transient Art
- Wood Work
- Malleable Area
Sometimes, you cannot have all areas, but if you want to, you must get creative! Could you place some areas outdoors? Or could you combine two areas? You have to decide what areas are right for YOUR classroom.
EYFS Classroom Layout ideas
The next step is to Map out your classroom. This will give you a clear idea of how you want your class to look. You can do a simple sketch like this one:
Here are some questions you could ask yourself when deciding.
- What area would be best by the sink?
- Will having construction by the window maximize learning?
- Can I use the carpet area as a learning space?
- Does this space have to be on a table, or can it be on the floor?
- Do I want a space for formal learning, or will it be free-flow?
- What activities do I want to prioritize in my classroom?
- How much space do I have available for each area?
- What are the interests and needs of the children in my class?
- How can I promote different types of learning (e.g., sensory, imaginative, physical) within the space?
- Are there any safety considerations or regulations I need to keep in mind?
- How can I maximize the use of natural light and ventilation in the classroom?
- What resources and materials do I already have, and what do I need to acquire?
- How can I ensure the layout promotes a sense of belonging and inclusivity for all children?
- Are there any specific learning goals or curriculum requirements I need to address through the classroom design?
- How can I create flexible and adaptable spaces that can evolve with the changing needs of the children and curriculum?
I’ve got a blog post on 7 Helpful EYFS Teacher Books That Build An Outstanding EYFS Classroom and that will also help you find a book to build your outstanbding classroom!
What EYFS Area’s work best together?
In my experience, the areas that work well together are the following:
Sand and Water Area: These two areas work well in the EYFS classroom layout as the resources can be shared, and children can explore how to manipulate sand using water, building on mathematical concepts of understanding shape and space.
Construction and Small World Area: These EYFS areas combined help to extend play. Children can create and elaborate upon stories, alongside building their personal, social, and emotional skills through sharing and creating with others. The new EYFS Framework puts an emphasis on children learning to negotiate and solve problems.
EAD, Role Play and Literacy Area:
It is fascinating how these areas interlink. Children will go from playing in a restaurant in the Role Play area, to writing their own menus in the Literacy area, then crafting more plates for “customers” in the EAD area. Do you see how they interlink so smoothly?
When planning each area, you must ponder on how your areas extend learning.
It won’t be perfect until the children decide!
The EYFS environment changes all the time! Don’t worry if the children are not behaving as you imagine. The EYFS Classroom Layout isn’t about the adults; it’s about the children! The children will ultimately tell you what should be where.
You may plan for four children in the sand area, but three may be suitable. You may have a small construction area, but the more children interested in construction might force you to move it to the carpet where there is more space. There is no perfect EYFS Classroom Layout for the foundation stage. It changes all the time depending on the type of class or classroom you have.
If you are in tune with the needs of the children, then you will soon see results. Don’t stress; you’ve got this!
EYFS Natural Classroom – Must Haves (Setting Up!)
Try to avoid an overstimulating environment that could cause sensory overload! Now, some of us may be really passionate about having a colourful classroom whilst other prefer natural classroom. To tell you the truth there has been much research on encouraging a natural EYFS classroom. The Early Excellence Center reflect this in the provision they provide and have an article related to the EYFS Natural Classroom. Here is a preview of their amazingly inspiring provision!
