The EYFS Statutory Framework sets the standards that school and childcare providers must meet for:
- the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old;
- and the care of children up to 8 years old. Note: This is for before/after school care and some holiday provision.
All registered early years and childcare providers must follow these requirements.
There are two versions of this document:
- one for group and school-based provision;
- and one for childminders.
To get a copy, visit: Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework (GOV.UK).
Other guidance (not statutory), that can help meet the requirements of the EYFS:
Development Matters
This offers a top-level view of how children develop and learn for all early year's practitioners and includes:
- Childminders.
- Staff in nurseries.
- Nursery schools.
- School nursery and reception classes in school.
For more information, see: Development Matters (GOV.UK).
Birth to 5 Matters
This has been developed by the Early Years Coalition, composed of 16 early years sector organisations.
It provides full guidance to meet the needs of children today and to lay a strong foundation for their futures.
For more about this, visit: Birth to 5 Matters (PDF).
In Calderdale, we have a team of Early Years Improvement Officers (EYIO). They can support all providers to meet all requirements of the EYFS.
The team offers tailored packages made up of:
- face-to-face visits;
- email and phone support;
- network meetings;
- bespoke training;
- support tools, audits and templates;
- business support and signposting;
- and a SharePoint site.
To offer a seamless service, the EYIO team works closely with the:
- School Effectiveness Team;
- Early Years and Childcare Sufficiency Team;
- Portage and Early Years Support Teacher Team;
- and Workforce Development Team.
Their main role is to support providers:
- Who have been judged less than good by Ofsted.
- With Learning and development.
- With assessment, such as, what is required.
- With Safeguarding and welfare requirements.
- With early intervention, SEND and safeguarding.
- To create and develop Ofsted registered Early Years, Out of School and Holiday Provision.
To contact the EYIO team, please email: qiso@calderdale.gov.uk.