Changes to the EYFS

Some of you maybe aware that changes are being made to the EYFS from September 2021. For further information please see below. Little Villagers Pre-School will ensure these changes take place in September 2021.

In line with the Revised EYFS we have created a new ambitious curriculum for Little Villagers Pre-School.

 EYFS reforms – message from the Department for Education (DfE)

The new EYFS statutory framework was published on 31 March 2021 by the Department for Education (DfE) and legislation laid in Parliament. This is the revised and final EYFS framework that all registered nurseries, childminders, schools and pre-schools in England will follow from 1 September 2021.

 Early years settings, other than registered EYFS reforms early adopters (who must continue to follow the early adopter framework) must continue to follow the current EYFS framework until 1 September 2021, however the revised framework is being made available for all settings now to help them prepare for the changes.

Key Objectives for the changes:

Key objectives of the reforms

 The reforms to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) have been a number of years in the making. The aim is to strengthen early years curriculum, assessment and practice to improve outcomes for all children and close the gap for disadvantaged children. This is particularly crucial in light of the current pandemic.

 The changes were developed with childhood development experts using the latest evidence on what is most important for supporting the learning and development of our youngest children. The reforms have been piloted and consulted on, and over 3,000 schools are currently taking part in an early adoption year.

 As outlined in the official response to the public consultation, published on 1 July 2020, government has reformed the framework to transform early years curriculum and assessment, focusing on what matters most for children's outcomes:

• A strong and holistic curriculum that puts early language development at the heart;

• A streamlined and effective assessment process through a revised EYFS profile and removing statutory local authority moderation, which will reduce unnecessary workload and cement the EYFSP as a tool that is designed to support children’s transition to year 1;

• A new requirement to promote good oral health.

There are also a number of small amendments to section 3 safety and welfare to make existing requirements clearer and to provide updates. A summary of these amendments and why they have been made can be found here. 

Government understands that this year has been a particularly difficult and challenging time for the early years sector, with children’s learning disrupted across all ages. The intended aims of the reforms – focusing on children’s outcomes and reducing unnecessary evidence gathering and paperwork so practitioners and teachers can spend more time interacting with children in their care - will provide a powerful basis for supporting children's learning and wellbeing through and beyond COVID-19.

 Summary of Legislative Consultation Process

 In line with consultation requirements set out in the Childcare Act 2006, on 18 February, DfE published the draft statutory instrument and draft new EYFS framework for comment until 18 March 2021. DfE particularly sought views on a number of minor changes to the safeguarding and welfare section of the revised EYFS statutory framework. These changes were not included as part of the full public consultation launched in October 2019, as they constitute minor updates to clarify common questions on existing policy or to reflect updates in the law since the last revision of the EYFS was published in 2017. A number of responses were received and considered carefully before finalising the framework.

The new EYFS framework includes statutory guidance for the administration of the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA), set out in Annex B. The RBA is a short assessment, taken in the first six weeks in which a child starts reception. The assessment will take place within the reception year and is, therefore, included within the overall EYFS statutory framework. While the statutory requirements for administering the RBA and undertaking the EYFSP are set out within the same framework, they are not related and they serve different purposes. The Standards and Testing Agency will provide further information about the RBA in the 2021/22 academic year in due course.

Early Years Foundation Stage

(To learn more about how we teach and implement the EYFS go to About - Supporting Your Child)

The Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old.

All schools and Ofsted registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, pre-schools, nurseries and school reception classes.

The EYFS framework supports an integrated approach to early learning and care. It gives all professionals a set of common principles and commitments to deliver quality early education and childcare experiences to all children.

As well as being the core document for all professionals working in the foundation years, the EYFS framework gives parents/carers confidence that regardless of where they choose for their child’s early education, they can be assured that the same statutory commitments and principles will underpin their child’s learning and development experience.

To see how we support your child through their Early Years journey see section: Supporting All Children.

Progress assessments

Your child's learning will have ongoing assessments including two key assessments:

The first is when they are between two and three years old and is called a 'progress check'.

If a child moves between early years providers between the ages of two and three, the progress check would usually be done by the early years childcare provider where the child has spent most time. Your early years childcare provider must give you a short written summary of your child's development in the three prime areas of learning and development when your child is aged between 24 and 36 months.

The second is in the final term of the year in which they reach the age of 5, using the EYFS Profile.

This will assess your child's development against 17 early learning goals which are linked to the goals in "Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage" between the ages of 40 and 60 months.

Your child's school or early years provider has to share the results of the profile with you. A copy will also be given to your child's Year 1 teacher to help plan activities which meet the stage of their development and learning needs.

Your early years childcare provider must also make sure your child has enough opportunities to learn and reach a good standard in English language during the EYFS. If your child's home language is not English, their early years provider must give opportunities for your child to develop and use their home language in play and learning, supporting their language development at home.

If you're worried about your child's progress, talk to your early years childcare provider and together you can agree how to support your child.

You can find out more about the Early Years Foundation Stage on the gov.uk website.

Taken from Surrey Early Years – Parent’s Guide to the Early Years Foundation Stage