This week, Nursery World is delighted to bring you the best and most comprehensive coverage around of the Government's response to the Early Years Foundation Stage consultation. This includes news of the extensive changes planned to the format of the EYFS document (see page 4); an exclusive interview with children's minister Beverley Hughes and Foundation Stage director Ruth Pimentel about the response; and extensive extracts on all the major issues tackled by the Government (see Special Report, pages 10-11). The EYFS consultation provoked a large number of heartfelt contributions from respondents - some concerns are prompting changes to the EYFS, some are not. Criticisms of the document's format and clarity of language are to be countered with a large-scale revamp. Lobbying on inclusion, outdoor play and racial equality has succeeded in gaining promises of stronger guidance.
This week, Nursery World is delighted to bring you the best and most comprehensive coverage around of the Government's response to the Early Years Foundation Stage consultation. This includes news of the extensive changes planned to the format of the EYFS document (see page 4); an exclusive interview with children's minister Beverley Hughes and Foundation Stage director Ruth Pimentel about the response; and extensive extracts on all the major issues tackled by the Government (see Special Report, pages 10-11).
The EYFS consultation provoked a large number of heartfelt contributions from respondents - some concerns are prompting changes to the EYFS, some are not. Criticisms of the document's format and clarity of language are to be countered with a large-scale revamp. Lobbying on inclusion, outdoor play and racial equality has succeeded in gaining promises of stronger guidance.
However, concerns about staff:child ratios, qualifications, phonics and the primary strategy have been met with a firm 'no change'.
Ultimately, it is not the words contained within the EYFS document that will be the most important element of providing high-quality care and education, but the day-to-day practice of early years professionals. And to ensure that this is of the highest standards will require sufficient training and funding. The EYFS cannot be done on the cheap.
