Unit 17: Expressive arts and design: being imaginative and expressive

Being imaginative and expressive is one of the two aspects of expressive arts and design, one of the four specific areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children are expected to reach the early learning goal at the end of the EYFS in the reception year at primary school.

All staff need to be confident of their role in developing children’s understanding of this area of learning and development whatever the age of the children they work with. It is important to remember that different approaches are appropriate for different ages of children and different children will progress in their understanding at different rates.

Participants will:

• know the early learning goal in relation to being imaginative and expressive
• understand how to interact with children to encourage their imaginative and expressive play
• know what resources and staff interactions will support children in developing their imaginations and their ability to express themselves through play and performance
• gain confidence in planning for this area of learning and development for children of different ages and stages.

Step 1 Introduction (5–10 minutes)
Step 2 Ideas to support the goal (10–15 minutes)
Step 3 Plan an activity (5–10 minutes)