EYFS framework sets out providers' responsibilities

Purpose and aims The EYFS aims to help young children achieve the five Every Child Matters outcomes of staying safe, being healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, and achieving economic well-being.

Context and legal responsibilities The EYFS, mandatory from September 2008, builds on the current Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage, Birth to Three Matters and the National Standards for Under Eights Daycare and Childminding, all of which will be will be repealed.

About this document The EYFSStatutory Framework document forms part of the statutory framework for the EYFS and sets out its learning and development, and welfare requirements, with which early years providers must comply. It also contains statutory guidance issued pursuant to Section 44 (4) of the Childcare Act 2006. All providers must give regard to this guidance, and if they decide to depart from it, they must make clear their reasons to Ofsted and demonstrate that their alternative approach achieves the same ends as the guidance conveys.