Characteristics of Effective Learning are a fundamental aspect of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS). Characteristics of Effective Learning advocate that in planning and guiding children’s activities, practitioners must reflect on the different ways that children learn, and then reflect these in their practice. A child’s individual learning characteristic will determine the way they respond to both the teaching and learning taking place in the environment.  The three characteristics of effective teaching and learning begin in EYFS but carry through our school right up to year 6. Children need to focus on the skills of being a good learner alongside developing a Growth Mindset. 

• playing and exploring - children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’;
• active learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements; and
• creating and thinking critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.

In every classroom there is an interactive display where children who display the Characteristics of Effective Learning are rewarded for their efforts.