Now that the Early Years Foundation Stage is statutory, discussions about it seem more confused and heated than ever. Fortunately, some interventions can be safely ignored, like the Sunday Telegraph's continual criticisms of the 'nappy curriculum', seemingly oblivious to the fact that the EYFS covers the whole early years phase up to the end of the reception year. Meanwhile, the 66 per cent of respondents to a recent MSN poll who said they were against the 'nappy curriculum' suggests that one in three people support a curriculum designed around the diaper.
Objections that the guidance on ICT will somehow poison the development of young children can also be safely ignored. Most parents will know how much toddlers enjoy technology, and there is no evidence that moderate use of computers, electronic toys or TV harms children's development. Excessive TV watching or computer use does not help, but equally, many children really enjoy well-made children's programmes and benefit from good-quality ICT resources. Sensible parents and early years practitioners understand the importance of moderation.
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