NCB welcomes review of Early Years Foundation Stage

Tuesday 6 July 2010

Following today’s announcement by the Department of Education that a review of the EYFS will take place, Sue Owen, Director of Well-being at NCB, comments, "We are delighted that the review we have been expecting has now been formally announced and the Government is going ahead with this important piece of work.

The EYFS is popular with the early year’s sector and was initially developed by specialists with a sector wide consultation. As a result, it is built on the soundest principles of young children’s development and learning. It has undoubtedly been responsible for much of the improvement that has taken place in early years services over the past few years - improvements which are particularly beneficial for the most disadvantaged children."

Sue continues "However, everything has room for improvement. We hope that this review is a chance to dispel some of the underlying myths surrounding EYFS and give a serious look at some of the issues that have arisen since its implementation in 2008. For example, many have said that it is overly bureaucratic and it will be helpful to have some hard evidence on this rather than relying on anecdotes."

"We urge the government to send out a strong message that the current framework remains in place until the review is completed so that a period of uncertainty for children and their families is avoided. We would be very concerned that early year’s professionals aren’t left in limbo, not knowing which direction they should be taking."

NCB first received an indication of the announcement at the NCB Summer Reception which took place last night (Monday 5^th July) at Westminster and where Sarah Teather, Minister of State for Children and Families, gave the key note address.

Sue concludes, "It is timely that the review is taking place at the same time that NCB is undertaking major ground-breaking research into childminding practice and the EYFS, due for completion in 2011. It’s essential that the Review takes into account important evidence such as this throughout the process."