Changes to the EYFS

Parents,

As you know, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a framework that applies to all childminders, schools and nurseries that provide care and education for children from birth until the end of the Reception year. 

From 1^st September 2012, the EYFS is set to be revised and some new changes will be taking place. The new version is available online for you to view using the links below. This morning I have been on a training course run by the NCA to educate me on the new revised framework.  I have obtained a certificate for the course which can be found in my portfolio for parents to see at any time if they wish.

The revised EYFS contains the legal requirements and guidance information which I have to use to make sure I meet your child’s needs. There will be a few changes to the EYFS which I will be introducing to you over the next few weeks so that when the revisions become official on 1^st September, there will be a smooth transition from the old version to the new.

To summarise; There will be 7 Areas of Learning and Development divided into Prime and Specific

areas. When working with the youngest children I will be focusing mainly on the 3 PRIME
areas. These are:

·        Personal, social and emotional development

·        Physical development

·        Communication and Language

These form the basis for successful learning in the other four SPECIFIC areas.  These are:

·        Literacy

·        Mathematics

·        Understanding of the world

·        Expressive Arts and Design

As they grow in confidence and ability in the 3 prime areas the balance will shift to a more equal focus on all 7.

A child’s learning and development will continue to be implemented through planned, purposeful play which is individually tailored to each child’s needs and interests. This will be both child and adult led.  Activities will become more adult led as a child gets older to prepare them for school

One of the main changes for parents is the amount of input you will be asked to give into your child’s learning experiences while they are with me. At the moment I involve you in many different ways; but the new EYFS is asking childcare practitioners to think of new things to share with parents and carers and come up with new ways of asking you for information about what your child is doing and saying at home. I will encourage and support parents in guiding development at home to ensure your child receives the best possible start.

Another new legal requirement of the revised EYFS is for childcare practitioners to write up a ‘2 year progress check’ for your child.  A summary of your child’s development in the 3 PRIME areas must be carried out when your child is aged between 24-36 months. This will then inform and support the assessment made by your child’s Health Visitor at their '2 year check' so that they have an accurate insight into how your child is developing at home and in other settings and not just in a room in the doctors surgery where your child may be unwilling to co-operate!

I request that parents inform me when their child has an appointment for their check so that we can work together to prepare his/her report.

I look forward to sharing more information about the revised EYFS with you over the coming months and I have provided some links below which parents may find interesting.  In the meantime, if you have any questions please let me know.

Revised Statutory Framework for the EYFS

A Parent's Guide to the EYFS

You can also find out more on my website at www.oakleychildcare.com where I will be adding more information over the coming weeks.


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