The Early Years Foundation Stage provides a unique opportunity to nurture children’s natural curiosity about themselves, other people and the world around them. Young children are instinctively interested in questions of belonging, identity, relationships, celebration, wonder and meaning. Religious Education (RE) offers a rich context in which these interests can be explored through play, stories, conversation, investigation and first-hand experiences.
In England, RE is a statutory entitlement for children in Reception classes and should be planned in ways that support the expectations of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. RE contributes particularly strongly to the areas of Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design. Children may encounter a range of religious and non-religious worldviews through exploring special people, books, stories, times, places and objects, helping them to develop respect, curiosity and understanding from an early age.
Effective RE in EYFS is not about expecting young children to master facts about religions. Rather, it is about providing meaningful experiences which enable them to:
- develop a sense of awe and wonder;
- talk about what is special to themselves and others;
- encounter stories, celebrations and traditions from different faiths and worldviews;
- ask questions and express their own ideas;
- recognise similarities and differences between people and communities;
- learn vocabulary linked to religion and belief;
- begin to understand the diverse society in which they live.
High-quality EYFS RE is active, practical and play-based. Children learn through exploring artefacts, listening to stories, engaging in role play, creating artwork, celebrating festivals, meeting visitors, handling objects of significance and visiting places of worship where possible. Learning should be rooted in children’s experiences while also broadening their understanding of the wider world.
Teachers are encouraged to create an inclusive environment in which every child feels valued and represented. RE should reflect the diversity of modern Britain and introduce children to a range of religious and non-religious worldviews in ways that are positive, accurate and age appropriate. Through these early encounters, children begin to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will support their future learning in Religious Education and contribute to their growth as thoughtful, respectful and informed members of society.
This guidance aims to support practitioners in planning engaging, developmentally appropriate RE experiences that build upon children’s interests, encourage meaningful dialogue and lay strong foundations for lifelong learning about religion, belief and the diverse communities of England and the wider world.
Here are some resources and ideas which you may find helpful:
A list of ideas and activities for exploring different religions and festivals with EYFS children. These can be used in the discrete teaching of RE or part of continuous provision. Please remember that parents should be informed if you are planning to do anything which might involve the children participating in religious practice. Please refer to the ODBE Guidance on Experiential RE for further information.