Policy and Politics
Future of EYFS Profile unclear as QCDA is axed
The future of EYFS Profile assessment is uncertain in the wake of the announcement by Education Secretary Michael Gove confirming the closure of the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA).
The EYFS is also due to be reviewed in September, and the QCDA has been involved in gathering evidence and information from practitioners and settings to contribute to the forthcoming review.
In a letter to the chair of the QCDA Christopher Trinick, Mr Gove said that the Government would introduce legislation in the autumn to abolish the QCDA.
The QCDA’s involvement in the EYFS is primarily around a statutory duty to moderate the EYFS profile and assessment processes.
The agency has been responsible for collecting and monitoring Foundation Stage – and subsequently EYFS - profile results and data from local authorities since 2003. No decision has been made about the future of the EYFS profile.
The agency has also been responsible for handling applications for exemptions to the learning and development requirements of the EYFS.
However, Nursery World has learned that two specific projects which involved the evidence base of the EYFS, which had been commissioned by the previous Government before the election, have been suspended.
In the letter, Mr Gove said, ‘My decision does not mean that everything the QCDA does will stop: indeed, it is crucial some vital work should continue. We are committed to ensuring that National Curriculum Tests continue to be delivered effectively, and therefore currently envisage that the functions and the people that support the tests would be needed after closure.’
However he said that administrative functions such as the awarding of diplomas would be transferred or ended because ‘my view is that Government or its agencies should in principle not be involved in this kind of work in future, which is properly the domain of awarding bodies.’
Mr Gove added that the QCDA would also cease to be involved in qualifications development and the curriculum, unless it has a statutory duty to comply or where learners’ interests would otherwise be jeopardised.
