Margaret Edgington's open letter to Beverley Hughes (28 May) is music to my ears. The issues raised are ones that people across the country have been battling with pre-EYFS. The stifling methods that so many local authorities have imposed in terms of recording and labelling children's progress appear to be far from the 'rights of the child' to enjoy playing in a caring, supported and well-organised environment in which the adults have time to be immersed in play and be the 'main and most important resource' in a child's learning and development.
A key issue for authorities is having consistency for measuring settings. This does not work for the children or their carers, as individuality is often lost. The role of the EYP as an 'agent of change' is continually challenged as altering, for example, an approach to assessment and recording is often stymied in case it doesn't fit in with the local authority requirements.
Many formal methods of checklists and numbering are, as Ms Edgington implied, time consuming and detrimental to the 'unique child' and, I would add, 'positive relationships' EYFS themes.
I have worked with nurseries reluctant to agree to a minimal paperwork approach. Many that have embraced continuous provision have done so in fear of negative reaction from their local authority adviser and Ofsted. Enlightened Ofsted inspectors still look at what it is like for a child in the setting and would be delighted to see more interaction, rather than adults worrying about written plans.
But it is also important to acknowledge the many settings that manage to get a balance - wonderful observations, assessment and planning methods in place while providing stimulating and motivating environments, indoors and out.
Jeanne Barczewska, early years lecturer and consultant)
BEVERLEY HUGHES' RESPONSE TO MARGARET EDGINGTON
This Government is committed to ensuring that every child can flourish and reach their potential in a safe and stimulating learning environment. It is important that staff are able to meet individual needs of all children and identify problems early and secure help to put them right. That is what the EYFS is designed to achieve and I believe that vision should be an entitlement for every child.
Observational assessment helps providers tailor provision to support the child's learning journey, identify and respond to the needs of specific groups of children, and evaluate effectiveness.
Progress Matters was developed in consultation with key representatives from the sector. It helps practitioners to reflect on their setting and analyse information about children, to see how much progress they are making appropriate to their age and plan what they do next. The document highlights the importance of understanding each child as a unique individual.
The EYFS Profile is the only statutory requirement for a written record which is completed at the end of EYFS when children are aged five. We expect practitioners to use their professional judgement on how to record the child's learning journey and plan provision to meet needs, but we do not prescribe how this should be performed nor do we believe it requires unnecessary bureaucracy.
It is a matter for local authorities and providers to agree local conditions for receiving the free entitlement. We are currently reviewing the Code of Practice which sets the framework for delivery of the free entitlement nationally (www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations)
I entirely agree that Development Matters statements should not be used as a checklist. I want to challenge those inappropriate practices, and I believe Progress Matters will help to do that.
We are committed to reviewing the EYFS, starting in September 2010. While the terms of that review are not yet set, it's an opportunity to consider a range of issues, such as those relating to the learning and development statements.
I am sure you agree that it is important to monitor children's progress in order to identify areas of development, to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to succeed during their early years.
Beverley Hughes, former Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families
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