At Nursery World's EYFS conference in April, national director for early years Ruth Pimentel told delegates that Progress from the Start would be sent to local authorities in June (News, 8 May).
However, it is believed that children's minister Beverley Hughes has personally put a halt to the guide, after the fallout from Open Eye's campaign.
The group has led a protest against the EYFS becoming law, which led to scrutiny from the Commons Select Committee (News. 29 May).
A DCSF spokesperson said National Strategies was working with local authorities and providers to help develop their practice and new approaches to understanding children's development.
'We understand that this has been delayed while they develop it further. We expect it to be released later in the year. There is considerable guidance on observing and assessing children's progress in existence already in the EYFS and LAs are working closely with Strategies to ensure they have a system which fits their local context.'
