The EEF guide for nurseries, childminders and schools is based on the ‘best available evidence’ of what works to support ‘socio-economically disadvantaged children’ using the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP).
Its launch coincides with a 45 per cent increase in EYPP funding. From April, eligible early years settings in England will be able to claim up to £570 per child per year.
According to the EEF, data shows there is an average learning gap of 4.6 months between disadvantaged children and their peers by the time they start Key Stage 1 – a gap that continues to widen throughout primary and secondary school. It says its new guidance is designed to help early years settings use the additional funding effectively and close learning gaps, while taking a ‘balanced approach’ to spending.
Chris Paterson, co-chief executive at the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), said, ‘The enhanced Early Years Pupil Premium has real potential to help close learning gaps early and support education equality in England. The additional funding presents a welcome opportunity to focus resources and efforts on those children who need them most, particularly at a time when budgets are squeezed.
‘That’s why we’re pleased to be playing our part with our Guide to the Early Years Pupil Premium. Our hope is that it will arm early years educators with the tools and knowledge to make the best use of the funding to support the disadvantaged children in their setting.’
