Nursery World - Editor’s view – Falling on deaf ears

It seems that the Government has not been listening to the strong case against the REception Baseline, says Liz Roberts

‘Children listen attentively in a range of situations. …They give their attention to what others say and respond appropriately…’

I’m sure you’ll recognise that as part of the first Early Learning Goal for Communication and Language in the EYFS. Unfortunately, the Government itself doesn’t appear to be meeting expectations in this area, given that it is pushing ahead with the implementation of the Reception Baseline in the face of almost universal sector opposition.

Last week, the Department for Education awarded the £10m contract for Baseline to the National Federation for Educational Research (see News, page 4), despite attempts to set up assessment on Reception entry failing twice already, and despite well-researched and well-argued lobbying from a host of experts, organisations, unions and practitioners.

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