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Ten years ago, early years practitioners in England could turn to an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) folder that included the Statutory Framework and guidance, along with examples of non-statutory practice, a colourful poster, helpful reference cards and a CD. Gradually this has been stripped back to today’s single document, described by some as ‘technical’ and not appealing to the wider early years community. So, how did we get to this and is it time for change?
‘The original EYFS document wasn’t as dry as what we have now. It was launched by a Labour government but developed very much by the sector and really tried to give a lot of support so that people could see what practice looked like, and they welcomed it,’ says early years expert Nancy Stewart.
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