Nursery World - To the Point

With just one month before the EYFS revisions come on stream, it would be fantastic if we were all pulling in the same direction. But instead there is a serious mismatch in some of the messages coming from forces that affect services for our youngest children.

Consider Ofsted's guidance to inspectors on judging children's achievement and progress. As an author of the revised Development Matters, I know everyone who advised on the project placed great importance on stating clearly that this is not a prescription for every child's pattern of learning and development. It provides a guide to typical progression, which will look different for each unique child.

Guidance for inspectors in PVI settings fits this fairly well, pointing out that the 'broad age-related bands' overlap and 'children will not necessarily progress sequentially through each element'. But inspectors' guidance for schools specifies that on entering nursery and reception, children would be expected to be working within one band, while demonstrating 'all of the elements' in the previous band.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included