Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Introduction

The EYFS single framework for care, learning and development for children in all early years settings is due to come into force from September 2008 and will be used by all practitioners working with children from birth to the August following their fifth birthday.

Key aspects include:

• The bringing together of the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage and Birth to Three Matters into a single framework.
• Familiar early years principles and some additional principles.
• Inclusion of the relevant National Standards for the Under 8's Daycare and Childminding within section 4, meeting the welfare requirements.
• Information about registration, inspection and quality improvement.
• Much of the feedback from the consultation period has been positive.  The EYFS aims to combine and simplify all the relevant requirements which practitioners working with children aged between birth and five must adhere to.

What next?

The EYFS brings together much existing documentation with which you will already be familiar.  Childminders should, therefore:

• Obtain a pack by telephoning: 084560 222 60
• Make yourself aware of the pack's content
• Continue to work with the Birth to Three Matters and the Curricilum Guidance for the Foundation Stage (if applicable to those in receipt of the Nursery Education Grant).
• Look out for information and training sessions to enhance practitioner knowledge (EYFS courses are now available for childminders)
• Check out the EYFS website and the Professional Learning Community webpages - see the 'Read more' section on this page

EYFS timescale

Further information can be found at www.dcsf.gov.uk , www.surestart.gov.uk or by emailing childminding@southglos.gov.uk or telephoning 01454 868008 and asking for the Childminding Deveolpment Team.

What's happened so far?

Approximately 250 childminders have attended the 'Preparing for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)' training and received the EYFS packs.  If you haven't attended this training please book a place as soon as you can.

Following on from the Preparing for EYFS training, 'Look, listen and Note' training has been planned.  If you would like to attend the Look, Listen and Note guidance to observing, assessing and planning children's learning and development in a home based setting please ring the Children & Young People Training Team on 01454 863375 or 01454 868348.  Please note you must have attended the Preparing for EYFS and be in receipt of a pack prior to booking on to this training and keep checking the EYFS website for amendments and additions.

More training?

To look at other EYFS support training courses please see the Early Years Training Booklet which can be found in the 'Read more' section of this page. Also watch out for ring 01454 868008 and ask to speak to a member of the Childminding Development Team.