Details of the coalition Government's review of the Early Years Foundation Stage emerged very shortly before Nursery World went to press this week, so there has been little time to digest the announcement and its implications (see News, page 4).
At first glance, the review appears to cover some of the main concerns about the EYFS among both Tories and LibDems prior to the election.
Excessive bureaucracy had been cited by both parties as an element that would be changed under their stewardship, and the review announcement mentions this several times - some of the workforce are saying 'they are spending less time with the children and more time ticking boxes', it claims.
While bureaucracy is undoubtedly a bugbear, the majority of the early years sector now say that they feel the EYFS has benefited their practice, so it would be a shame if too much change disrupts the progress that has been made.
And there are certainly hints of some major changes that could be made, with plans to consider whether one single framework should cover all early years providers. Could that be a sign that childminders will be moved from under the EYFS?
A phrase that will set off warning bells is the one that says the Government wants 'to shift the focus to getting children ready for education'. Does this mean that the early years is no longer to be seen as a distinct phase of education, but merely a precursor to school? And could this indicate an even earlier start to formal learning?
The review, under Dame Clare Tickell, has plenty of time to ruminate, as it will not report until spring 2011. There's lots of talking to be done before then.
