EYFS: Draft of Birth to 5 Matters out for consultation with early years practitioners

The document, which is being produced by the Early Years Coalition, aims to support the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework as an alternative to the recently revised Development Matters guidance that received criticism from some areas of the sector.

The section on play includes, ‘Having freedom and time to play in an appropriately stimulating and resourced environment supports development and learning across all areas. Outdoor spaces particularly provide rich opportunities for sharing ideas and feelings with peers. Playing with others, such as an interested adult who participates without directing the play, or with other children is likely to foster and extend learning. Playing together often introduces new elements of play, as well as bringing the challenge of communicating ideas to each other.’

More than 1,600 practitioners were consulted on the guidance in the Autumn and the sector is now being asked for further feedback, with how to describe children’s learning and development in terms of ages and stages being a particular area of consideration.

While the vast majority of respondents to the initial consultation wanted to see play (92 per cent) and CoEL (89 per cent) included in guidance, they were split over whether the current age and stage bands should be retained - 45 per cent said that they should, 40 per cent disagreed and 15 per cent did not know.

‘It isn’t an easy question, because we know that children follow their own winding learning paths at their own rates, but at the same time having an idea of an age band of development can help to identify children who may benefit from additional support,’ said Nancy Stewart who is the project lead on Birth to Five Matters. ‘We want to know what practitioners think is the best way forward, so we are consulting on different options.’

Beatrice Merrick, chief executive of Early Education and chair of the Early Years Coalition said, ‘This draft guidance is a testament to the enthusiasm of the sector for doing what is best for children. 

‘We want to thank all the people have given their time and expertise for free to develop the guidance, building on what has gone before. By giving us further feedback, colleagues right across the sector can help us shape the final version to meet their needs. We want to hear from practitioners and leaders in all kinds of setting, working with children at all ages from birth to five, whether they are new to early years or seasoned practitioners. We want all views to be heard and taken into account as we develop the final version of the resource.’

The online consultation will run until 11 January 2021 after which the guidance will be revised in response to the feedback, before a second round of consultation in February.  The complete Birth to 5 Matters document plus online resources is due to be launched in March.

• To download the first draft of Birth to 5 Matters and take part in the survey, go to https://www.birthto5matters.org.uk/ .