Throughout the EYFS (including any education before starting Reception) children will be working towards achieving a set of 'Early Learning Goals' or ELGs. There are a total of 17 ELGs for the EYFS and are grouped into the seven key areas of learning. 

The PDF below outlines the Early Learning Goals in more detail. 

A Summary of the ELGs

By the end of their time in Reception children who have achieved the 'Early Learning Goals' will be able to: 

• Be able to listen, pay attention and give appropriate responses

• Understand and follow instructions

• Express themselves effectively and use past, present and future tenses

• Demonstrate coordination in their movements and use of tools

• Understand the importance of good health and manage their own basic hygiene needs

• Have the confidence to speak in group situations and ask for help

• Be able to talk about their feelings, the feelings of others and understand which types of behaviour is acceptable

• Form positive relationships with adults and children

• Read and understand simple sentences

• Use phonics to read and write words

• Write simple sentences

• Count from 1-20

• Recognise, create and describe number patterns

• Be sensitive to differences

• Use age-appropriate technology

• Make music and dance

• Use a variety of tools and techniques creatively to represent their ideas