THE EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE -
In this section we aim to support you in understanding and implementing the new Early Years Foundation Stage.
We have provided downloads to help you implement the framework and further information and guidance as appropriate.
Full official information and downloads are available from the following website
www.standards.dfes.gov.uk
/eyfs/site/index.htm
See our other pages
and start learning
about the new framework
NOW.
The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage has been published. Registered childminders must use it from September 2008.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a framework which sets the standards for
learning, development and care of children from birth to 5. It builds on and replaces
the existing Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage, Birth to Three Matters
framework and the National Standards for Under-
Copies
of the pack will be distributed by Local Authorities along with training to help
you implement the framework in your setting.
The EYFS is based around four Themes:
EYFS materials
The EYFS package is a pack of resources which contains the regulatory and legal framework for early childhood education and care together with wider guidance.
It comprises:
- Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage booklet which sets out both the welfare requirements and the learning and development requirements which must be followed by all providers in delivering the EYFS. The welfare requirements cover safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare, suitable people, premises, environment and equipment and the documents and procedures required for the safe and efficient management of settings. The learning and development requirements set out providers’ duties under each of the six areas of Learning and Development and include the early learning goals.
- Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage booklet which provides some further guidance on the legal requirements, details of the areas of Learning and Development and on key areas such as the EYFS principles and assessment.
- A1 poster which sets out the four guiding Principles of the EYFS and gives an overview of sixteen Commitments that providers need to follow in order to put the Principles into practice. This will be helpful to use with parents and professionals to introduce the EYFS.
- 24 cards which give practitioners the Principles and Commitments at a glance as well as introductory guidance on putting the principles into practice. They also provide details of the requirements for the areas of Learning and Development as well as an overview of child development.
- CD-
ROM which contains all the information from the booklets as well as more in-depth information on all the Principles and Commitments covered on the cards. It allows practitioners to access information and video clips on effective practice, research and resources and to tailor their route to meet their own needs.
All of the above information is available to download off the following website: www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs/site/index.htm
‘Get ready! Preparing for the Early Years Foundation Stage’
Includes a ‘Diary of a childminder: what the EYFS means in practice’
Available free of charge from dfes@prolog.uk.com
Or call 0845 6022260 or you can write to
DfES Publications,
PO Box 5050, Sherwood
Park, Annesley, Nottingham
NG15 0DJ
Also see this presentation from Teachernet
www.teachernet.gov.uk/_doc/11327/
LA%20powerpoint%20presentation.ppt#256,1,Slide
1
BCMA have heard from Childminders confused as to when they should implement the new framework. The Government’s website Teachernet quotes ‘From September 2008, providers will be inspected by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006. Ofsted will have regard to the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage booklet when they are carrying out their inspections.’
Childminders need to
consider that they could be inspected in September 2008, and how they will evidence their planning and observations if they haven’t already started prior to September 2008.
The long introduction to making the framework mandatory provides Childminders with the opportunity to try out different types of planning and recording observations prior to the official introduction.
Childminders should not feel intimidated by the EYFS; it is purely a new document that brings together lots of existing frameworks and standards, building on what is already in place.
Early Years Foundation Stage
In our Newsletter we suggested that Childminders could
start to implement the new EYFS framework now in preparation for the official implementation
in September 2008. This statement has been challenged and it was implied that Childminders
implementing it early would fail an Ofsted Inspection.
Ann Glover, BCMA Chair has contacted both the Department for Education and Skills
and Ofsted seeking clarification of the position. BCMA has received email responses
from both Departments. DfES response states ‘After all the principles of EYFS are
the essence of all good quality early years provision so there is no need to wait
until next year to implement them.’ and they went on to say
‘I commend you for seeking
to help childminders familiarise themselves with the EYFS through your website.’
Ofsted will be producing an official statement on their website shortly also confirming that it is acceptable to implement the framework before September 2008. We hope that this will clarify the position for all Childminders and those who support them.
We have now produced an observation booklet based on the new EYFS. Each book is designed
to record short observations on a child, links to the framework and next steps. It
includes information on doing observations, the EYFS and Early Learning Goals. It
will be a great way to share the child’s development and progress with Parents and
to evidence to Ofsted at inspections that you are implementing the framework effectively.
The booklets are available to Bromley Childminders and to others outside the Borough.
Please visit our online Payments Centre
for further details.
