The framework should: Reduce paperwork and bureaucracy, strengthen partnerships between parents and professionals, focus on the three prime areas of learning, simplify assessment at age 5 and provide for early intervention where necessary, through the completion of the progress check at age 2.
The EYFS states:
Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.
This framework has been revised and is mandatory for all early years providers in England from 1 September 2021. Ofsted and inspectorates of independent schools have regard to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in carrying out inspections and report on the quality and standards of provision.
The learning and development requirements are in sections 1 and 2 of this framework, and the safeguarding and welfare requirements are in section 3 of this framework. Early years provision should follow this statutory guidance at all times and should not depart from them unless there is good reason for doing so.
What legislation does this framework refer to?
- The learning and development requirements are given legal force by an Order made under section 39(1)(a) of the Childcare Act 2006
- The safeguarding and welfare requirements are given legal force by Regulations made under section 39(1)(b) of the Childcare Act 2006
You are able to access the EYFS and download supporting material by visiting the DfE website at: www.education.gov.uk
The information can also be accessed through www.foundationyears.org.uk