NDNA has been interested to read many of the headlines published as a result of the Conservative party conference, but most especially those from Nick Gibb, the shadow schools secretary, about the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Calling it 'over-bureaucratic' and something that creates a 'tick box' mentality, his comments echo some of the early headlines about the EYFS. However, the vast majority of providers have found the framework a positive move. Many have reported that it is actually easier now all the regulatory and practice requirements are in one place.
There have, of course, been issues in areas such as access to training and parental understanding. But the sector is now working hard to embed EYFS and ensure it is used to deliver high-quality care and early learning. With all the changes in terms of the free entitlement, qualifications and the impact of the recession, the NDNA believes the last thing the sector wants is for the EYFS to be scrapped.
After all, what would replace it? If EYFS were abolished, it could indicate a move to less formal regulation. Such a move would penalise those providers who have made a huge investment in setting themselves well above the stringent minimum standards of the EYFS.
It also raises wider questions about how parents can judge the quality of a setting. Some framework would still be required so that childcarers could be benchmarked. Getting rid of the framework would simply undo much of the hard work that has gone into ensuring the EYFS is used effectively.
NDNA members attended events at the party conferences and heard from speakers who suggested that the EYFS may be responsible for the fall in childminding numbers. This area of the childcare workforce may benefit from additional support with EYFS.
The NDNA believes that it is important that the EYFS is not scrapped by any party. Yes, it should be reviewed and improved, but the simple fact is that the sector has worked hard to make sure that it is delivering for children. Scrapping the EYFS would be re-inventing the wheel, causing upheaval in the sector at a time when everyone should be continuing to work to the shared goal of delivering the best possible care and early learning.
