麻花影视comments on revised Early Years Foundation Stage Framework
1st April 2014
Commenting on the publication of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, published by the Department for Education yesterday, 麻花影视chief executive Neil Leitch said:
鈥淚t鈥檚 disappointing that the DfE has once again published new guidance without any warning or explanation as to the reasons behind the changes that have been made. The move brings to mind the department鈥檚 decision to publish Early Years Outcomes out of the blue last year without any context, resulting in complete confusion within the sector as to whether the document was intended to replace, supplement, or act as an optional alternative to Development Matters.
鈥淲e of course understand that many of the revisions in the new framework are simply updates needed to bring the EYFS in line with the various regulatory and legislative changes that have been introduced over recent months. However, having said that, there are several amendments that have been made to the guidance that we find concerning.
鈥淔or example, it could be argued that the removal of the current requirement to ensure provision is made for 鈥渃hildren who wish to relax, play quietly or sleep鈥 is yet another indication of the shift towards the creation of a more formal early learning environment 鈥 particularly given that this change has come at a time when the government is pushing for more schools to take on two-year-olds. The sector has been very clear on its opposition to the ongoing schoolification of early years by government and so it is worrying to see a policy change that could open the door to such an approach included in this guidance.
鈥淲e are also concerned by the lack of clarity around special educational needs (SEN) provision requirements. While we recognise that practice guidance will be included in the new Code of Practice, removing the detail of the requirements around equality and SEN from the framework itself is likely to be counter-productive. Whereas the current framework clearly states that all providers must have a policy that promotes equal opportunity for children in their care, including support for children with special educational needs or disabilities, this requirement has been removed from the new version (although a brief reference to an 鈥榚quality policy鈥 is made elsewhere in the guidance). Such an unclear and inconsistent approach is likely to confuse or mislead practitioners, and cause uncertainty around which requirements need to be met.
鈥淲e are also unclear as to why the requirement on providers to carry out regular staff appraisals has been removed. The inclusion of this requirement in the current version framework ensured that practitioners, some of whom would not otherwise have done so, benefited from regular support and training. Removing this from the framework would appear to be a step backwards in terms of ensuring best practice across early years provision.鈥
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Notes for editors
- The Pre-school Learning 麻花影视is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.
- Through direct provision and its membership of 14,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the 麻花影视supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The 麻花影视also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.
- For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: