Full press release given below:
“GETTING THE BEST POSSIBLE START”: THE EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE PUBLISHED TODAY
13 March 2007
A new framework published today will ensure that young children get the best possible start in life.
The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has published the new framework for high quality development, learning and care of all children in their early years.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a comprehensive framework which sets the standards for development, learning and care of all children from birth to five.
All registered early years providers and schools will be required to use the EYFS from September 2008, to ensure a high quality experience that supports the child’s development in whichever childcare setting parents choose. It is being published early so that Local Authorities and providers have time to prepare for its introduction in 18 months time.
The EYFS is the result of extensive dialogue with early learning professionals, as well as consultations with parents, and will mean that children have the opportunity to learn through play in an inclusive, safe and secure environment.
Children’s early learning should be challenging and enjoyable and the EYFS should reassure parents that their young child will receive the right support to progress at a pace which takes into account their individual needs.
The framework builds on, and replaces, the non-statutory Birth to Three Matters guidance, the Foundation Stage curriculum for 3 and 4 year olds and the national standards for day-care. It builds a coherent and flexible approach that removes the artificial divide between learning and care and creates seamless support for children’s development from birth to five.
It is underpinned by the key principles of treating every child as unique, creating loving and secure relationships and environments in which children can learn and develop at their own pace, and with enjoyment.
Minister of State for Children, Beverley Hughes, said:
“This Government is committed to giving every child the best start in life. The Early Years Foundation Stage will help practitioners plan stimulating, age appropriate activities based on what they know about the child’s interests, in discussion with parents and other relevant professionals.
“We want to make sure that whatever setting parents choose, they can be confident their child will get the best possible start in their learning and development. The EYFS is about ensuring quality and consistency across all settings where care is provided for young children.
”The first five years are a crucial time for a child’s development. We know that good early years provision leads to better outcomes in a young person’s future education and life chances.”
Bernadette Duffy, Head of the Thomas Coram Early Childhood Centre, Camden, said:
"I welcome the introduction of the EYFS framework. At the heart of the EYFS are four strong principles about what we believe is important for all young children, supported by a series of commitments about how we can put these principles into practice. Starting from principles that practitioners believe in, rather than subjects to be taught, will make a big difference to practice.
“EYFS will stop the artificial division between under and over three-year-olds and mean that there will no longer be any confusion about the framework reception teachers should be using."
The EYFS will also be published as an online tool, with practical demonstrations showing people how they can use the framework in a way that is tailored to the needs of individual children in their care, and carry out the planning that will ensure every child benefits from it.
Editor's Notes
This press notice relates to 'England'
1. The EYFS will be distributed in hard copy by Local Authorities to all early years providers, including maintained and independent schools and is also available online at
www.teachernet. gov.uk/eyfs
2. The Department is providing support for implementing the EYFS through the General Sure Start Grant for Local Authorities to fund workforce development. We are also working with the Children’s Workforce Development Council to develop units of EYFS training. In addition, the Government has made £250m available through the Transformation Fund for workforce development.
3. The Primary National Strategy EYFS advisers will be working with Local Authorities to ensure that existing training and development reflects the principles underpinning EYFS and to put plans in place to meet the specific needs of all the different providers in their area.
Contact Details
Public Enquiries 0870 000 2288, info@dfes.gsi. gov.uk
Press Notice 2007/0042