The Government’s decision to scrap the unreliable, time-consuming and expensive baseline assessment scheme for Reception classes was widely welcomed, as was its decision to retain the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile. As there are no further planned changes to the system, surely this is an ideal time for us to reconsider some of our practice in the early years.
Assessment in the early years should be principled and responsible: it should promote the best interests of children. The Statutory Framework for the EYFS promotes a play-based approach to early education with a focus on the Characteristics of Effective Learning – and so should our systems for assessment. We should call time on some of the more unsavoury practices in early years assessment which take place in schools.
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