Children's minister urges early years and childcare sector to contribute to EYFS review
Catherine Gaunt
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Speaking at an NCB event in Westminster yesterday in advance of the launch of the EYFS review today, children's minister Sarah Teather said the EYFS had set standards and 'raised the bar' for many in the sector.
Ms Teather told the audience that she would shortly be announcing a review of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
She said, ‘We have seen an improvement in children’s achievement at five. But as well as the support and enthusiasm for the EYFS, there are also critics. Some providers, particularly the small ones in the voluntary and private sector, feel it conflicts with their principles on how children should be supported to develop.
'Others believe their role is to care for children rather than help them to progress to specific learning goals. There are concerns about the level and volume of Early Learning Goals and there is a more general worry about unnecessary bureaucracy. One of the unintended consequences of the EYFS has been for some a greatly increased workload - at its worst, that can result in a reduction in the amount of time that professionals spend doing what they should be doing, which is being with, and helping children.’
‘That is why I shall be shortly announcing a full and open review of the Early Years Foundation Stage and I wanted to tell you that first, the sector. The aim of the review will be to give clear leadership and guidance on children’s safety and welfare, as well as support for their development and learning. We’re determined that all children, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged, should have the best chance of achieving their full potential and be supported to start formal learning in primary school.’
She added that the Government believed the best way forward was to reduce bureaucracy and for professionals to be allowed ‘to use their accountability, autonomy and judgement’.
She said, ‘I hope you will be involved in shaping this review at every stage. I hope you will bring your experiences and encourage parents and families and providers and others that have strong views to get involved, because this review will be about weighing up experiences and listening to professionals.'
In his speech, Sir Paul Ennals, chief executive of NCB, said, ‘I think the great majority of the early years sector think the Early Years Foundation Stage has been very positive. The great majority want some changes. But if this review is going to work, I think our sector needs to know that the ground will not be entirely shifted.’
Stressing the need for continuity, he also urged the new Government to ‘resist the temptation for new initiatives. We don’t need it. Stability and continuity is crucially important.’
She said, ‘We have seen an improvement in children’s achievement at five. But as well as the support and enthusiasm for the EYFS, there are also critics. Some providers, particularly the small ones in the voluntary and private sector, feel it conflicts with their principles on how children should be supported to develop.
'Others believe their role is to care for children rather than help them to progress to specific learning goals. There are concerns about the level and volume of Early Learning Goals and there is a more general worry about unnecessary bureaucracy. One of the unintended consequences of the EYFS has been for some a greatly increased workload - at its worst, that can result in a reduction in the amount of time that professionals spend doing what they should be doing, which is being with, and helping children.’
‘That is why I shall be shortly announcing a full and open review of the Early Years Foundation Stage and I wanted to tell you that first, the sector. The aim of the review will be to give clear leadership and guidance on children’s safety and welfare, as well as support for their development and learning. We’re determined that all children, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged, should have the best chance of achieving their full potential and be supported to start formal learning in primary school.’
She added that the Government believed the best way forward was to reduce bureaucracy and for professionals to be allowed ‘to use their accountability, autonomy and judgement’.
She said, ‘I hope you will be involved in shaping this review at every stage. I hope you will bring your experiences and encourage parents and families and providers and others that have strong views to get involved, because this review will be about weighing up experiences and listening to professionals.'
In his speech, Sir Paul Ennals, chief executive of NCB, said, ‘I think the great majority of the early years sector think the Early Years Foundation Stage has been very positive. The great majority want some changes. But if this review is going to work, I think our sector needs to know that the ground will not be entirely shifted.’
Stressing the need for continuity, he also urged the new Government to ‘resist the temptation for new initiatives. We don’t need it. Stability and continuity is crucially important.’
