EYFS Report Comments, Nursery and Reception
Nursery and Reception teachers in England write these comments for the written report, usually a short paragraph for each area of learning plus a note on how the child learns. The areas follow the EYFS statutory framework: three prime areas, four specific areas and the characteristics of effective learning. Length and format vary by school. These examples use four levels describing how secure the learning is, from secure and confident to just beginning.
Each page below covers one skill for one grade band, with sample strengths and next steps at every level and tips for writing your own. These comments are written for the comments on each area of learning in an end-of-term or end-of-year report for a Nursery or Reception child in England.
Comments by skill and grade band
| Skill | Nursery (FS1) | Reception (FS2) |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and Language | Communication and Language, Nursery (FS1) | Communication and Language, Reception (FS2) |
| Personal, Social and Emotional Development | Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Nursery (FS1) | Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Reception (FS2) |
| Physical Development | Physical Development, Nursery (FS1) | Physical Development, Reception (FS2) |
| Literacy | Literacy, Nursery (FS1) | Literacy, Reception (FS2) |
| Mathematics | Mathematics, Nursery (FS1) | Mathematics, Reception (FS2) |
| Understanding the World | Understanding the World, Nursery (FS1) | Understanding the World, Reception (FS2) |
| Expressive Arts and Design | Expressive Arts and Design, Nursery (FS1) | Expressive Arts and Design, Reception (FS2) |
| Characteristics of Effective Learning | Characteristics of Effective Learning, Nursery (FS1) | Characteristics of Effective Learning, Reception (FS2) |
Also: opening and closing sentences for each report period.
The 4 comment levels
| Code | Level |
|---|---|
| S | Expected: secure and confident |
| E | Expected |
| D | Emerging: developing well |
| B | Emerging: beginning |
At the most secure level, words such as confidently, independently and in a range of situations fit, backed by one example from play. At the earliest level, name what the child can already do and the support that helps, such as modelling or a visual prompt. Let the observation show the level rather than restating it.
Tips for EYFS report comments
- Keep the EYFS profile result out of the comment itself. At the end of Reception, share the results alongside the report and offer to discuss them; in the comment, avoid words such as expected, emerging or early learning goal, and never compare children.
- Draw on observations from continuous provision as well as adult-led sessions. A model in the construction area, a conversation at snack time or a Wow moment shared from home gives parents and carers a picture they recognise and can talk about.
- Write for parents of a three- or four-year-old: plain words, no curriculum jargon, and one free home idea per area, such as counting the stairs or sharing a bedtime story. Describe behaviour and learning, never personality labels or diagnoses.
This site shows 222 of the 1,580 sentences in the pack. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department for Education, the Standards and Testing Agency, Ofsted or any local authority. EYFS terms are used for identification only.
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.