The DfE consultation on the EYFS reforms is ongoing and closes at the end of this month.
It will be followed by a Government response.
The revised EYFS is due to come into force in September 2021, but schools have been sent a letter today (20 January) asking them to adopt the reforms from September 2020, after the consultation has been considered.
School standards minister Nick Gibb, who is also responsible for early education and childcare, said that the EYFS reforms would cut teachers’ workload and give them more time to help children develop their language and vocabulary.
The reforms also aim to provide Reception teachers with clearer assessment guidance, to help cut unnecessary workload so they can focus on supporting children’s development.
The DfE said the updated goals offered a great focus in the classroom, on stories and books, in a pilot carried out in 23 schools last year.
Mr Gibb said, ‘I want teachers to have more time interacting with children to develop their language and vocabulary, providing them with the best platform to fulfil their potential at school.
‘The reformed Early Years Foundation Stage framework will support pupils’ education as they move through the early years to more formal schooling, and reduce teacher workload. We are inviting schools to adopt the changes early, giving them the opportunity to strengthen their practice a year ahead of statutory implementation.’
Schools will be contacted directly with a link to an e-survey for head teachers to complete to confirm their participation.
A DfE spokesperson said the invite was only sent to schools because the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile, which measures children's learning and development at the end of the EYFS, takes place predominantly in school settings.
