Continuous provision resources EYFS & KS1

Continuous provision in year 1 is fast becoming the preferred way to ensure coverage of National Curriculum objectives in a child-led, play-based environment! Explore continuous provision KS1 planning, continuous provision ideas, continuous provision EYFS examples and more! Continuous provision resources for both experienced and new teaching staff.

What is continuous provision?

Continuous provision is an approach to learning that emphasises providing children with a wide range of activities and materials that they can use to learn and explore at their own pace and on their own terms, with a skilled teacher observing, modelling and interacting with purposeful questioning.  This approach is often used in EYFS, but is increasingly being found in KS1 and even Ks2 in some instances as there are such clear benefits. It is based on the idea that children learn best through play and exploration and that by providing them with a stimulating environment and the resources they need, they will be able to develop their skills and abilities in a natural and organic way.

What is guided play?

The teacher sets up areas that are intentionally designed to invite children to play within the classroom environment.  The teacher’s planning draws upon previous discussion and the children’s own interests rather than either the interests of the teacher or a pre-destined sequence of work or scheme of work. By planning this way, teachers are drawing upon children’s natural curosity and interests, which should engage them further in learning and provoke further questions and areas of learning. Although the teacher is an active participant in the play and learning, the activities are very much child-led. It’s important though for teacher to ensure that activities are not aimless, and that children are not wandering around entirely unguided. At the same time, activities should not be teacher-led, and children should not be told how to play or what to do exactly. The teacher should act as an observer and active participant in the play.

What are the benefits of continuous provision?

If you’ve ever taught in a school or setting that truly embraces a play-based approach to learning, then you’ll already be familiar with the many benefits of using continuous provision as your approach to learning rather than a more adult-led, formal approach.

Continuous provision has several benefits for young children’s learning and development including:

1. Self-directed learning: Children are able to choose their own activities and explore the materials in the environment at their own pace, which allows them to take an active role in their own learning.
2. Development of independence: Continuous provision encourages children to be independent learners, which helps them to develop the skills they need to become confident and self-sufficient adults.
3. Development of creativity and imagination: Children are given the opportunity to explore, create and imagine using a variety of materials, which helps to develop their creativity and imagination.
4. Development of problem-solving skills: As children explore and play, they encounter problems and challenges, which helps them to develop their problem-solving skills.
5. Opportunities to learn through play: Play is a natural way for children to learn and make sense of the world around them. Continuous provision provides children with opportunities to learn through play.
6. Flexibility: Continuous provision allows teachers to adapt to the needs of each child and to provide a learning environment that suits the individual needs of each child.
7. Child-led learning: Continuous provision allows children to direct their own learning, which can be more engaging and motivating for them.