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EYFS Characteristics of Effective Learning - I Can Statements

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Updated: October 2026

About this resource

This Characteristics of Effective Learning document provides a clear and practical breakdown of how children demonstrate learning behaviours across the EYFS. It unpacks the three key areas—Playing and Exploring, Active Learning, and Creating and Thinking Critically—through child-friendly “I can” style statements. These statements make it easy to identify, support and assess how children engage with their learning in continuous provision and adult-led activities. The document supports practitioners in recognising how children explore, stay motivated, develop resilience, generate ideas and think critically. It also highlights how children use prior experiences, problem-solve, and adapt their thinking, helping to build a deeper understanding of how learning happens—not just what is learned. It comes in an editable word format. Please note, this document is copyrighted and cannot be resold or repurposed. This is a non-refundable item.