Opinion: Editor's view

The Early Years Foundation Stage was conceived as an all-embracing framework for children from birth to five, but it had looked for some time as if settings from alternative early years approaches would not fit easily within it.

However, hard work has obviously been going on behind the scenes. First, Montessori held a conference to declare allegiance and point out the parallels between EYFS and Montessori practice (Nursery World, 24 April 2008). Now Steiner schools have been reassured that their beliefs and way of working will not be compromised by the EYFS (see News, page 4), nor penalised by Ofsted.

It is interesting that while Montessori has issued its practitioners with guidance about how to adapt to the EYFS, Steiner is producing a document for inspectors and advisors on how to interpret Steiner practice against the EYFS.

While it seems clear that these early education philosophies can be accommodated within the flexible, play-based framework, practitioners still take issue with the need to assess children under the Profile, as indeed do many from more mainstream settings.

Enter the Nursery World Awards

The Nursery World Awards are now well and truly open, and you'll find an entry kit with this issue. We're delighted that sponsors so far include the Children's Workforce Development Council and Morton Michel. There's a wide range of categories, divided into individuals, organisations, initiatives, and equipment. Could you be Nursery of the Year, Early Years Professional of the Year, or win the Team Development Award? You can also download the entry form at www.nurseryworldawards.co.uk. Enter by 17 July.