EYFS Profile exemplification

for the level of learning and

development expected
at the end of the EYFS
Communication and language

ELG01 – Listening and attention

Children listen attentively in a range of situations. They listen to
stories, accurately anticipating key events and respond to what
they hear with relevant comments, questions or actions. They
give their attention to what others say and respond appropriately,
while engaged in another activity.

Explanatory notes
The child listens actively while engaged in a variety of activities from which he or she
is able to recall significant details. This includes stories and rhymes. When listening
to suggestions or explanations, the child responds appropriately through actions or
comments, predicting what might happen or by asking relevant questions. The child
remains focused on an activity, can sustain a conversation with someone as they play
and perseveres despite distractions showing consistently high levels of involvement.
page 02 ELG01-Listening and attention-01
page 03 ELG01-Listening and attention-02
 ve
Ben in ca e b l an kets
unde r t h
e go in g
“We a r
s d ar k u nder
ead a s t ory, it i es. It is
to r u r to rc h
e c an use o
there so w
e, r ea ll y dark.”
ein g in a cav
like b a bout
a lk in g
Ben, t es etc.
i th c a b l
safety w
u s tn ’ t touch
“ You m
e y ou w i ll be
caus
cu t ed a n d then
electro die.”
h t ev e n
you mig

page 04 ELG01-Listening and attention-03

 Whilst taking down patient information in role as a doctors receptionist
Jessica turned round to listen to Scarlet about another patient being brought
into the surgery. She then returned to her notebook to continue writing down
the patients name and symptoms.

J’s favourite child choice activity is school teacher role play!

She had chosen this story from the book box and handled it as
though sharing it with the class.
Good book handling skills – tracking text from left to right.
Looking closely at the pictures – identifying characters and the
sequence of the story, J became aware of S. “Are you listening to
my story? ...the end!”
page 05 ELG01-Listening and attention-04
© Crown copyright 2012

You may re-use this information (excluding logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under
the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
doc/open-government-licence or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission
from the copyright holders concerned.

Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to us at Standards and Testing Agency,
53-55 Butts Road, Earlsdon Park, Coventry CV1 3BH.

This document is also available from our website at www.education.gov.uk.