Development matters

• Develop their small motor skills so they can use a range of tools competently, safely and confidently.
• Explore, use and refine a variety of artistic effects to express their ideas and feelings.
• Return to and build on their previous learning, refining ideas and developing their ability to represent them.
• Create collaboratively, sharing ideas, resources and skills.

See Development Matters (non-statutory curriculum guidance) – contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. 

Early learning goals

Physical development 

ELG: Fine motor skills 

• Use a range of small tools, including scissors, paint, brushes and cutlery.

Expressive arts and design 

ELG: Creating with materials 

• Safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.
• Share their creations, explaining the process they have used.

See Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage, 2021.