Even the Times Educational Supplement is using the fatuous nickname in its coverage of what is the central framework for its readers teaching three- to five-year-olds - the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Most national newspapers seem unaware that the Foundation Stage has been in existence for quite some time, and that the early learning goals are not a brand-new surprise sprung on an unsuspecting sector. Birth to Three Matters doesn't seem to have been on the radar either!
There are serious matters to be debated as the EYFS begins, and Nursery World will continue to discuss them in a balanced way, while providing plenty of expert advice on best practice for the EYFS. But this trivialisation and misunderstanding does no-one good.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families is certainly working hard to get its message over. A new parent's guide and media pack on the EYFS have been produced (see News, page 3). Opposite, you'll see the first monthly column from Children's Minister Beverley Hughes talking about the new framework, and we've spoken to Ed Balls, the Secretary of State, as well (news, page 5).
The Government should find some strong backing for its aims in the latest Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE) report (News, page 4). The children in the study have now reached Year 6, and a good home learning environment and high-quality pre-school provision are still having a positive effect on attainment, helping to overcome disadvantage.
