Early Years Foundation Stage Information
Early Years Foundation Stage
What's it all about??
Most of you will now be aware that a new framework for working with under 5s – the Early Years Foundation Stage - has been published. Childminders will play a key role in delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage framework that comes into force in September 2008 in England so here are some answers to the many questions that you may have.
What is it?
The EYFS brings together the Curriculum Guidance to the Foundation Stage, the Birth to Three Framework and the National Standards. It sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to the end of the Foundation Stage – this is the 31st August after their 5th birthday
When does it become a statutory requirement?
It will become statutory from 1st September 2008. For all inspections after this date, Ofsted will be making their judgements against the new framework.
What’s in it?
As well as setting out your legal obligations, the EYFS contains lots of useful information, advice & guidance on developing a quality practice for all the children in your care. It helps you identify where children are in their learning and development and gives lots of useful hints and tips on planning and resourcing to meet their individual needs.
What do I do next?
If you haven’t already got your EYFS pack, obtain your copy from DCFS Publications on 0845 60 222 60. You can also download it from EYFS pack/Dfes or at EYFS pack/ teachernet
What about Quality Assurance?
The EYFS guidance states that all providers should continuously be thinking about how to improve the service they are offering. Joining a quality assurance scheme such as NCMA Quality 1st or NCMA Children Come First will provide you with the tools for self evaluation to help you do this. Please contact us for more information.
But don’t panic!!!
Childminders already have some great strengths when it comes to delivering the EYFS. Combining care and learning and developing learning through play are what good childminders have been doing for years. You work with children on an individual basis and are able to develop great relationships with parents - stress is placed on the importance of this throughout the EYFS. For most of you it won’t mean changing anything you are already doing with the children, you will simply be making a few notes while you are watching them and identifying what learning is taking place, which in turn will help you think about what they will need to do next in order to make good progress. So start to familiarise yourselves with the contents of the pack, you have plenty of time to prepare for this and we at NCA will give you all the help we can!
Click on the link below to find some downloadable resources to help you.
Early Years Foundation Stage Resources