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:

  1. use early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning that supports holistic learning and development 
  2. work in partnership with others to ensure new information about curriculum planning is shared 
  3. establish a continuous planning cycle that builds on previous experiences
  4. ensure plans reflect the values, ethos, and pedagogical approach of the workplace
  5. embed inclusive and anti-discriminatory practice in all planning 
  6. use observations and interactions to inform planning, responding to the emerging interests, preferences and needs of children
  7. ensure flexible approaches, allowing for spontaneity, curiosity, and real-life learning opportunities
  8. work in partnership with families and others to co-create learning spaces and experiences that support the development of children
  9. plan a balance of adult-led and child-led experiences 
  10. provide learning environments that support meaningful individual and group play, inquiry-based learning, and real-world experiences 
  11. facilitate stimulating and safe outdoor environments where children can explore and learn through nature-based play 
  12. provide digital tools and devices to support play and learning, ensuring digital resources support rather than replace rich, real-world play experiences 
  13. plan for transitions, ensuring continuity in learning as children move through different experiences 
  14. engage children in shaping their own learning experiences, valuing their voices and choices 
  15. provide opportunities for free play, guided discovery, and supported problem-solving
  16. adapt plans based on ongoing assessment, providing appropriate support or challenges 
  17. facilitate engaging learning experiences based on planned and responsive experiences
  18. celebrate the achievements of children, using them to inform next steps in learning
  19. identify when children require additional support and seek appropriate interventions
  20. engage in collaborative reflection with others to evaluate and refine curriculum plans
  21. monitor and assess the participation and progress of children, using findings to adjust planning to meet the needs of children
  22. communicate with families about how curriculum plans support the development of children and involve them in decision-making
  23. complete records and reports required for implementing early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning
  24. 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:

  1. the importance of routines and transitions in providing continuity and security for children
  2. social, physical and economic factors that impact the development of children
  3. how neurodivergence and additional needs can be supported in planning for learning
  4. the impact of attachment, relationships, and wellbeing on the ability of children to engage in learning
  5. the influence of the culture and background of children on how you plan for curriculum and learning
  6. the purpose of early years curriculum frameworks in supporting the holistic learning and development of children
  7. the importance of cyclical and responsive planning approaches
  8. how to balance adult-led and child-led experiences to create meaningful learning opportunities
  9. the significance of play-based learning in development and exploration
  10. how to ensure planning reflects the ethos, values, and pedagogy of the workplace
  11. how to apply trauma informed principles to implement frameworks for early education through curriculum planning
  12. the importance of dignity, kindness, and compassion in planning for learning 
  13. how to use observations and interactions to inform planning and tailor learning experiences to individual children
  14. how support emotional regulation in curriculum planning 
  15. strategies for creating flexible and adaptable learning experiences, responding to real-life moments and the curiosity of children
  16. the significance of free choice and autonomy in supporting the confidence and motivation of children
  17. how to create stimulating, engaging environments that supports exploration, problem-solving, and inquiry
  18. how to integrate real-world experiences, digital tools, and open-ended sustainable resources to enrich learning
  19. how to work in partnership with families and others to create learning opportunities
  20. the significance of physical, outdoor, and nature-based play in promoting wellbeing and holistic growth
  21. how to use assessment, records and reports effectively to track learning and inform next steps
  22. the role of self-evaluation in curriculum planning
  23. the expectations of regulatory bodies and inspectorates in relation to curriculum planning and implementation
  24. theories relevant to implementing early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning
  25. the relevant legal requirements, standards of practice, frameworks and guidance for implementing early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning
  26. the workplace requirements on equality, diversity, inclusion, and rights when implementing early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning
  27. how your personal experiences and unconscious bias may impact when implementing early years frameworks to inform curriculum planning, and how to address this
  28. 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