Crib Sheet for TAs and Practitioners in the EYFS

A crib sheet for early years teachers is a quick-reference guide that helps educators working with young children by summarising key information to support children in the play environment. It’s designed to be practical, easy to scan, and useful in fast-paced classroom environments.

This is a useful crib sheet for TAs and early years practitioners to use during the time when children access continuous provision. This is to help TAs and early years practitioners easily see at a glance what they can do to enhance learning in all areas and beyond.

It provides quick tips on the unique child, the characteristics of effective learning, reflection on learning and all areas of the EYFS; Personal social and emotional development, communication and language, physical development, maths, literacy, understanding the world and expressive art & design.

Why Crib Sheets Are So Helpful?

Builds Confidence

Starting out in early years can be overwhelming, especially when trying to remember developmental stages, curriculum goals, and behaviour strategies all at once.

A crib sheet acts as a reassuring guide, giving new TAs the confidence to engage more meaningfully with children.

Promotes Consistent, Quality Interactions

Crib sheets offer prompts on how to speak with and respond to children, ensuring all staff, even those still learning, can foster rich, supportive interactions.

Examples: using open-ended questions, scaffolding learning, and modelling play.

Reduces the Risk of Gaps in Support

Staff might unintentionally miss opportunities to support learning or social development.

With a crib sheet, they have a reminder of key actions and strategies, helping them be more intentional and proactive.

Links Practice to the EYFS Framework

EYFS is full of terminology and goals that can be daunting at first.

Crib sheets translate those expectations into simple actions (e.g., “Provide opportunities for mark-making” or “Support turn-taking through role-play”).

Encourages Reflective Practice

By having a reference point, new TAs can begin to reflect on:, Did I support language today? Was I promoting independence or doing too much for the child?

This helps them grow into thoughtful, skilled practitioners.

Supports Inclusive Practice

Crib sheets often include reminders about adapting activities for children with additional needs or EAL, which new TAs might overlook without guidance.

Improves Team Cohesion

When all staff use the same tools and language, even new TAs can quickly align with experienced educators, leading to a more consistent and supportive environment for children.

Saves Time and Reduces Stress

Rather than having to look through manuals or ask questions constantly, new TAs can quickly glance at a crib sheet to guide their actions.

We add planning and resources to the website every week with requests from members and we ensure our existing resources are current and in line with updated guidance.

See our latest resources here. 

All our planning has been carefully created by experienced qualified primary school teachers with QTS therefore you can be sure that your planning will achieve your outcomes and aims.