Early Years Learning Goals: Supporting Your Child’s Development

At Pippa’s House Nursery, we are passionate about creating a nurturing, inspiring environment where children can learn, grow, and flourish. A key part of how we deliver meaningful early education is through the use of the Three I’s: Intent, Implementation, and Impact.

These principles—used by Ofsted to understand the quality of education in early years settings—help us design and deliver purposeful learning experiences tailored to each child’s development.

The Three I’s in the EYFS Curriculum

What Are the Three I’s?

The Three I’s aren’t part of a specific curriculum, but they are a useful tool for reviewing and enhancing the education and care we provide. Each one plays a role in shaping the daily learning journey for our children:

Intent 

Intent is what we determine for children to learn. It’s about understanding what knowledge and skills we want children to gain during their time with us, taking into account their needs, interests, and stages of development.

Implementation 

Implementation is how we put our plans into action. This includes how our staff deliver activities, support children’s development, and encourage them to apply what they’ve learned in a way that’s meaningful and engaging.

Impact 

Impact is the effect our teaching and care have had. We assess how well children are progressing from their starting points and how ready they are for their next stage of learning.

We apply the Three I’s in a way that makes learning enjoyable

Bringing the Three I’s to Life at Nursery

Here’s how we put the Three I’s into practice through some of our favourite activities:

1. Storytelling and Literacy Exploration

Intent: Spark a love for books and build early language skills. 

Implementation: Through shared story time, themed role-play, and interactive storytelling activities, children explore characters, language and sound. 

Impact: Improved vocabulary, listening skills, and expressive communication.

2. Creative and Sensory Play

Intent: Encourage creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor development. 

Implementation: Messy trays, painting, and tactile play support hands-on learning through exploration. 

Impact: Children develop coordination, confidence, and artistic expression.

3. Outdoor Learning Adventures

Intent: Support physical wellbeing and curiosity about the world. 

Implementation: Activities like obstacle courses, nature walks, and gardening help children build strength, teamwork and environmental awareness. 

Impact: Growth in gross motor skills, social confidence, and a love for nature.

Early Years Learning Goals provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning

Why It Matters

Using the Three I’s allows us to reflect on our practice, tailor learning to each child, and continuously improve the way we support their development. Every child is unique—and by focusing on what we want them to learn, how we teach it, and what progress they’re making, we can give them the strongest possible start in life.

We’re proud of the joyful, enriching experiences we offer at Pippa’s House. If you’d like to see how we bring learning to life, we’d love to show you around one of our nurseries!