This morning, we had an update on some of the thinking coming out of Dame Claire Tickell’s review of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.

Drawing on the outcomes from the recent reports from Frank Field and Graham Allen, there appears to be some considered reflection on the views expressed in the consultation. What remains to be seen is whether the Minister will accept any or all of the recommendations. I do hope he does.

Findings and possible recommendations include –

Over 72% of people asked, like the EYFS.

32% of people think it could be improved.

It stresses the importance of engagement with parents

Education needs to be linked closely with Health

Recommendations

The EYFS principals and commitments should remain the same

There should be no radical changes

Welfare

Some more strategic questions need to be considered around creating cultures of safeguarding

Further work to explore staff supervisions and what the EYFS should say about it

Reduce paperwork, particularly around risk assessments

Areas of Learning

Dividing areas of learning into 2 groups –

Core

            PSED

            Communication and Language

            Physical  

Other

            Literacy

            Mathematics

            Understanding the World

            Expressive Arts and Design

 These are to be informed by 3 enduring characteristics of effective learning

 (The “areas” say what children should be learning, the characteristics are about the “how”)

 eg play, creativity, critical thinking, active learning.

 The Core areas are most suitable for children aged 0 – 3 and the Others, for 3 – 5 year olds but there will be elements of both in all ages.

In other words, we are going back to Birth to 3 Matters with our youngest, concentrating on Social skills, language and physical development.  This has to be a good thing. 

Assessment

Reduce the Early Learning Goals from 69 => 20

Redefine the ELGs

Reduce assessment scale points

Move to ‘best fit’ professional judgements

Promote greater involvement of parents in assessment

 2 stage assessment –

Piggy back on health visitor 30 month check up to identify children needing special support at the earliest stage

Extensively reduce the EYFS profile (used at end of Reception in schools)

Scope

The EYFS should remain a single framework, covering Welfare and Development

Retain the principles and objectives

No radical changes

Retain the mandatory nature of the curriculum