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Early years experts warn Sir Michael not to lose sight of the EYFS

Early years organisations have written a joint letter to Sir Michael Wilshaw to air their concerns ahead of Ofsted’s early years annual report on Thursday, which will be published alongside a report on school readiness.

Early Education, TACTYC and the Centre for Research in Early Childhood say that the chief inspector’s own letter to early years inspectors gives ‘confusing messages’ and that some aspects are ‘not in line’ with the EYFS.

Sir Michael’s letter, published last month, sets out how inspectors should report on the effectiveness of teaching and assessment.

The early years leaders say they that there are statements in the letter, ‘which although meant to impact positively on children’s learning may have an adverse effect.’

This includes the reference in the chief inspector’s letter to Ofsted’s expectation that ‘adults must teach young children’.

In their letter, the organisations write that ‘the use of the word “teach” can give rise to expectations of overly formal approaches’ and ‘a pedagogy that is not suited to the needs of babies and very young children.’

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