Expressive arts and design

Expressive arts and design is one of the four specific areas. The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity.

Imagination and creativity

It is important that children have regular opportunities to engage with the arts, enabling them to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage

Learn more about imagination and creativity.

Self-expression and communicating through arts

The quality and variety of what children see, hear and participate in is crucial for developing their understanding, self-expression, vocabulary and ability to communicate through arts. Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage

Learn more about self-expression and communicating through arts.

Resources

Birth to 5 Matters resources for expressive arts and design.

Development Matters guidance for expressive arts and design.