Implement early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning
URN: HSCCLD356
Business Sectors (Suites): Health and Social Care & Childcare Learning and Development
Developed by: Skills for Care & Development
Approved:
2026
Overview
This standard identifies the requirements for implementing early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning. It includes the development and implementation of plans. It requires you to monitor early years frameworks and reflect on your practice. The planning and implementation of the curriculum for early years should be consistent with the frameworks in your home nation.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- use early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning that supports holistic learning and development
- work in partnership with others to ensure new information about curriculum planning is shared
- establish a continuous planning cycle that builds on previous experiences
- ensure plans reflect the values, ethos, and pedagogical approach of the workplace
- embed inclusive and anti-discriminatory practice in all planning
- use observations and interactions to inform planning, responding to the emerging interests, preferences and needs of children
- ensure flexible approaches, allowing for spontaneity, curiosity, and real-life learning opportunities
- work in partnership with families and others to co-create learning spaces and experiences that support the development of children
- plan a balance of adult-led and child-led experiences
- provide learning environments that support meaningful individual and group play, inquiry-based learning, and real-world experiences
- facilitate stimulating and safe outdoor environments where children can explore and learn through nature-based play
- provide digital tools and devices to support play and learning, ensuring digital resources support rather than replace rich, real-world play experiences
- plan for transitions, ensuring continuity in learning as children move through different experiences
- engage children in shaping their own learning experiences, valuing their voices and choices
- provide opportunities for free play, guided discovery, and supported problem-solving
- adapt plans based on ongoing assessment, providing appropriate support or challenges
- facilitate engaging learning experiences based on planned and responsive experiences
- celebrate the achievements of children, using them to inform next steps in learning
- identify when children require additional support and seek appropriate interventions
- engage in collaborative reflection with others to evaluate and refine curriculum plans
- monitor and assess the participation and progress of children, using findings to adjust planning to meet the needs of children
- communicate with families about how curriculum plans support the development of children and involve them in decision-making
- complete records and reports required for implementing early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning
- reflect on how you carried out your roles and responsibilities to implement early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the importance of routines and transitions in providing continuity and security for children
- social, physical and economic factors that impact the development of children
- how neurodivergence and additional needs can be supported in planning for learning
- the impact of attachment, relationships, and wellbeing on the ability of children to engage in learning
- the influence of the culture and background of children on how you plan for curriculum and learning
- the purpose of early years curriculum frameworks in supporting the holistic learning and development of children
- the importance of cyclical and responsive planning approaches
- how to balance adult-led and child-led experiences to create meaningful learning opportunities
- the significance of play-based learning in development and exploration
- how to ensure planning reflects the ethos, values, and pedagogy of the workplace
- how to apply trauma informed principles to implement frameworks for early education through curriculum planning
- the importance of dignity, kindness, and compassion in planning for learning
- how to use observations and interactions to inform planning and tailor learning experiences to individual children
- how support emotional regulation in curriculum planning
- strategies for creating flexible and adaptable learning experiences, responding to real-life moments and the curiosity of children
- the significance of free choice and autonomy in supporting the confidence and motivation of children
- how to create stimulating, engaging environments that supports exploration, problem-solving, and inquiry
- how to integrate real-world experiences, digital tools, and open-ended sustainable resources to enrich learning
- how to work in partnership with families and others to create learning opportunities
- the significance of physical, outdoor, and nature-based play in promoting wellbeing and holistic growth
- how to use assessment, records and reports effectively to track learning and inform next steps
- the role of self-evaluation in curriculum planning
- the expectations of regulatory bodies and inspectorates in relation to curriculum planning and implementation
- theories relevant to implementing early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning
- the relevant legal requirements, standards of practice, frameworks and guidance for implementing early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning
- the workplace requirements on equality, diversity, inclusion, and rights when implementing early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning
- how your personal experiences and unconscious bias may impact when implementing early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning, and how to address this
- the role of supervision, reflective practice and learning and development in implementing early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
The glossary for this National Occupational Standard is available on the Skills for Care and Development website.
Links To Other NOS
External Links
Version Number
1
Indicative Review Date
2031
Validity
Current
Status
Original
Originating Organisation
Skills for Care & Development
Original URN
HSCCLD356
Relevant Occupations
Social Care and Childrens Care
SOC Code
Keywords
Early years frameworks, curriculum planning, Health and Social Care & Children’s Care Learning and Development