Early Years Foundation Stage Reforms
As of the 1st September 2021, childminders, nurseries, preschools and primary schools in England must follow the new early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2
The implementation of the reforms may feel easier for some than others depending on various factors. There are a number of additional resources provided by the DfE to offer further support.
https://foundationyears.org.uk/
The key aims of the reforms are to:
- improve child outcomes at age 5, particularly in early language and literacy, especially for disadvantaged children; and
- reduce workload, such as unnecessary paperwork, so that practitioners can spend more time interacting with children in their care.
The key areas of change within the reforms are seen in:
- revised educational programmes and early learning goals, including a clear focus on early language development and more information on self-care and being healthy;
- changes to the EYFS profile assessment requirements at the end of reception year including removal of the ‘exceeding’ criteria and statutory local authority moderation; and
- a change in the safeguarding and welfare section of the EYFS, promoting children’s oral health and other small changes in that section, including to support prevention of choking in settings.
The role of Local Authorities:
- LAs retain a crucial role in supporting early years providers and schools through the provision of training and information. LAs are still under a duty to support children’s outcomes and secure or provide training to settings including on EYFS assessment and the completion of the profile to all providers who need it
- There has been a removal of statutory duty to externally moderate 25% of schools each year. However, we will continue to support effective assessment and moderation practice
- EYFSP data – LAs are still responsible for collection of the EYFSP data, quality assurance of the data and submitting this to DfE
- Supporting reforms implementation and strengthening practice. LAs have a key role to play in helping to reduce practitioner workload and putting professional judgments and understanding of child development at the heart of assessment
Resources
An online resource hub has been created to support nurseries and childminders with the reforms. Reception teachers and school leaders may also find some of the resources useful. https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/
The service ‘Help for early years providers’ has been developed with sector experts and has undergone extensive user testing to ensure it meets the needs of the workforce.
The service contains a range of videos and written materials covering all areas of learning along with overarching materials to support effective practice. Further resources will continue to be added to the service.
DfE, Ofsted and Foundation Years have worked together to publish a range of vodcasts aimed at different parts of the sector to support understanding and implementation of the revised EYFS:
Implementing the revised EYFS in primary schools
Understanding the revised EYFS - headteachers and senior leadership
Understanding the revised EYFS - PVIs and childminders
Understanding the revised Development Matters
Learn - Explore - Debate events: implementing the revised EYFS
New EYFS Sept 2021 Changes to safeguarding and welfare
The changes
There have been some minor changes to the safeguarding and welfare section, including a new requirement to promote the good oral health of children.
What this means in practice
This could include things like talking to children about the effects of eating too many sweet things, or the importance of brushing your teeth.
Adding this requirement does not mean that you must carry out supervised toothbrushing nor will you be required to assess children’s oral health.
However, you can decide how this requirement is met, for example, there are various schemes around the country that support supervised toothbrushing.
Community Dental Services have put together a range of fun things to do online about teeth and healthy eating. There are loads of downloadable activities for children from colouring pages, quizzes, word searches and useful links to lots of activities and information.
https://communitydentalservices.co.uk/oral-health/family-fun-information/?fbclid=IwAR2oimpytQNVKOxtWF72CRWJT3_WYrVSOJHTd31BCBaHp8XhtaVtq4JGL4I