EYFS or BTTM?

[mel]

I know I am probably being thick but its late and my brain is addled!
I know I've read about this topic somewhere on the forum but can't find it.
I'm beginning to mind a 3.5 year old (starting her preschool year) and her 9 month old sister in October. Do I have to reference everything to BTTM or can I use the EYFS materials instead? It seems silly to spend lots of time getting my head around BTTM and the foundation stage curriculum when within a year the EYFS would suit both mindees. My concern is that I will have my first inspection at around Christmas and I don't want to be down graded because I am using EYFS?
Does all this make sense or am I just jabbering
Thanks again for your help girls!
Don't know what I'd do without it!

Mel x

[sarahnev707]

I asked Ofsted that question by email and this is their reply -

Dear Ms Neville
Thank you for your e-mail.
Although the EYFS was launched on 13 March 2007, it will not replace these existing frameworks until September 2008. The EYFS is given legal force through an Order and Regulations made under the Childcare Act 2006. From September 2008 all schools and early years providers in Ofsted registered settings attended by children aged from birth to the 31 August following their fifth birthday will be required to deliver the EYFS.
However, although the EYFS is not yet compulsory, it is available for you to use now if you prefer or if parents express a wish for it, so you are able to start new children on the EYFS.
Other useful information and resources can be found by telephoning the DFES on: 0870 000 2288.
I hope this information helps.
Regards
Carrie Vickers
Customer Service Advisor
Ofsted - National Business Unit – TEL: [phone]

Sarahx

[mel]

Sarah,
You are a star - that was what I was looking for! ;D

Mel x

[Pauline]

We've been told to advise new minders not to put too much effort into B23 now and start thinking about how they will implement EYFS but not to get too stressed about it until new training is available.

[angeldelight]

If you go to the Bromley website this is what they have been advised .................

Early Years Foundation Stage
In our last Newsletter we suggested that Childminders could start to implement the new EYFS framework now in preparation for the official implementation in September 2008. This statement has been challenged and it was implied that Childminders implementing it early would fail an Ofsted Inspection. Ann Glover, BCMA Chair has contacted both the Department for Education and Skills and Ofsted seeking clarification of the position. BCMA has received email responses from both Departments. DfES response states ‘After all the principles of EYFS are the essence of all good quality early years provision so there is no need to wait until next year to implement them.’ And they went on to say ‘I commend you for seeking to help childminders familiarise themselves with the EYFS through your website.’ Ofsted will be producing an official statement on their website shortly also confirming that it is acceptable to implement the framework before September 2008. We hope that this will clarify the position for all Childminders and those who support them.

We have launched further pages to support the new framework focusing on the third principle, Enabling Environments. Additional pages will be added throughout the year.

There is also a observation book that you can purchase if anyone is interested

www.bromleycma.org.uk/payments/

They have also added some more things to their EYFS page

Angel xx

[tasha]

Angel,

I was about to add the above! Beat to it again!!!!!

Tasha

[2kidsunder5]

I am really confused now.

I rang OFSTED 2 weeks ago and asked them if, in their opinion, I should do a BTTM course or EYFS. They advised BTTM as inspectors would be inspecting on BTTM and not EYFS until Sept 08!!!

So, should we be working with BTTM or EYFS???

It's all very confusing. I think I will write to them and ask the question and then at least I have the official response in my grubby mitts when OFSTED visit.

Diane x

[mel]

It is confusing but I am just going to try and reference my activities for both and concentrate mor eon EYFS so that the changeover isn't too traumatic.

Mel x

[angeldelight]

We can all advise what we would do and we are all different

So my advice if you are not sure would be to wait and see what they say when they announce it shortly on the Ofsted website

Then you know that information is what we should be following

Angel xx

[raggydolls]

does anyone know if that bcma observation book is worth getting or should we just make our own up

[vik3000]

I have now started working towards EYFS.

For my training courses (DHC, NVQ, QF) it is all still based on B23/Foundation.

[tasha]

Don't waste your money!
Tasha

[angeldelight]

I have been told that the book is very very basic

I am sure someone had it on here - not sure now

I was told there was nothing to it

So like Tasha said I would not waste your money

Angel xx

[buildingblocks]

2kidsunder5 said:

I am really confused now.

I rang OFSTED 2 weeks ago and asked them if, in their opinion, I should do a BTTM course or EYFS. They advised BTTM as inspectors would be inspecting on BTTM and not EYFS until Sept 08!!!

The trouble is apparently you can't get hold of B23 packs anymore so how can you be expected to follow it and also I bet that your Local Authority won't be doing B23 trainings either.

lo veKate

[buildingblocks]

I had decided that over Christmas i wa going to sort all my paperwork to EYFS and start the new year using it. but hubby is about to send off his forms so he will be inspected under the B23. I have decided that as he will not actually be working as a childminder I shall still go ahead with EYFS and argue the toss with Ofsted.

lo veKate

[cheryl1]

That is such a good idea Kate. I am due my ofsted very soon so I am still referencing to b23 but as soon as Ive been 'done' I will start working towards eyfs.

Cheryl x