This year's Foundation Stage Profile results have been published, and - surprise, surprise - goals are not being met, and targets are not being achieved (see News, page 4). Young children are 'failing' to reach the required standard.
More pressure will be put on local authorities, who in turn will put more pressure on settings to work in sometimes inappropriate ways, counter to practice recommended in the EYFS.
It all just goes to prove that measuring something does not make it grow, and measuring the wrong things will not have positive results. If the Department for Children, Schools and Families scrapped the two controversial literacy goals that many experts feel are unrealistic for children in the EYFS, the FS Profile results would suddenly look a whole lot better!
Until then, the league table and target approach for local authorities will have a more detrimental effect on early years practice than any supposed strictures from the EYFS itself.
All included
Inclusive practice is a seamless and fundamental aspect of the Early Years Foundation Stage, yet it has a relatively low profile, perhaps because it is such a sensitive subject and can stir up such an emotional response.
Nursery World is helping to redress the balance with a new four-part guide to being an inclusive setting, which starts in this week's issue (see centre pull-out). The series is organised around the four principles of the EYFS - A Unique Child, Enabling Environments, Positive Relationships, and Learning and Development - and will build up into an essential reference tool for everyone working with young children.
