All the same?

Similarities and differences is a wonderful topic that builds on children's inexhaustible desire to explore and make sense of the world around them.

The theme gives children opportunities to demonstrate aspects of all six areas of learning, and in particular the exploration and investigation strand of knowledge and understanding of the world.

This is also an opportune time for early years practitioners to be considering the similarities and differences to be found as they become more familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which was launched in March 2007 and is due to come into effect next September.

Some early years practitioners, already familiar with Birth to Three Matters and the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage, may feel dismayed at the proposed changes. But the EYFS should be welcomed as it draws together the guidance for practitioners working with children aged nought to five years in a logical and consistent way. The EYFS is not something brand new, but rather a refinement that should not require major changes in the way most practitioners work, but should reinforce good early years practice.