Opinion: In My View - Happy birthday EYFS
Sue Ellis, national director, early years, The National Strategies
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
It was just over a year ago, in September 2008, that the Early Years Foundation Stage became statutory.
We have good cause to celebrate this first birthday, and it is thanks to the hard work of practitioners in the sector. Implementing a legal framework that promotes high quality learning and care was always going to be a huge challenge, but essential if we are to secure the best provision for our youngest children.
In my view, the EYFS is the most significant document in early years internationally for many years. Many of our European counterparts are looking enviously at what we have done. It is no small achievement when you consider the diversity and scale of early years provision in this country. So, it is pleasing to be able to report that the feedback from practitioners and local authorities is overwhelmingly positive. Teachers and practitioners have built their confidence through their everyday practice as they get more familiar with the framework and see its potential for improving outcomes for children.
Key features of best practice have become embedded as the norm in many settings, including recognising the importance of observation as a key to understanding children's development and planning next steps. Early attachment and supporting language development are moving further and further up the agenda.
But we cannot rest on our laurels yet. I am well aware of the challenges that practitioners face on a day-to-day basis and that these vary depending on where the EYFS is implemented, whether in a childminder's home, a private day nursery, a village hall or a reception class. What is so rewarding for me, however, is to see how many practitioners are committed to implementing the EYFS themes and principles and that more children are doing better as a result.
Visit www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/earlyyears
