Contacts:
Early Years Team
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Revised EYFS and New to EYFS

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a comprehensive statutory framework that sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five. A revised 'slimmed down' and 'sharpened up' version will be statutory from September 1st 2012.

You can find the revised version of the EYFS on the Foundation Years website at:

• www.foundationyears.org.uk

Overall Reforms to the 2012 EYFS Framework:

• www.foundationyears.org.uk/early-years-foundation-stage-2012/overall-reforms-to-the-2012-eyfs-framework/

Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2012

• www.foundationyears.org.uk/early-years-foundation-stage-2012/

Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage

• www.foundationyears.org.uk/early-years-foundation-stage-2012/development-matters-final-print-amended/

Use the audit below to ensure you are meeting statutory requirements of the EYFS:

• Word 2003, 44kb/16 pages, 04/08/2011, eyfs_must_audit.doc
• Word 2003, 204kb/15 pages, 04/08/2011, eyfs_should_audit.doc

To support your delivery of the EYFS please contact your Early Years Consultant or Advisor who can arrange tailored training and support.

New to EYFS

Working with young children is a highly complex, challenging and exciting career.  If you are either a NQT, or an experienced teacher or practitioner new to the Early Years Foundation Stage, here are some things you may need to consider. 

Safeguarding

• EYFS Statutory Framework - EYFS Pack (May 2008) www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationDetail/Page1/DCSF-00261-2008
• Designated Person - to book training go to Childhood Support Services on the Herts Direct website
• Paediatric First Aid - to book training go to Childhood Support Services on the Herts Direct website
• Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children's Board - www.hertssafeguarding.org.uk/
• Safeguarding children information on the Grid - www.thegrid.org.uk/leadership/safeguarding/

Knowledge and Awareness of the EYFS

You can find the most recent version of the EYFS on the Department for Education website at www.education.gov.uk

• 4 themes
• 16 commitments

Organisation and Management of the Learning Environment

• Indoors
• Outdoors

Role of the adult 

• High quality interactions
• Effective questioning
• Listening to children
• Sustained shared thinking
• Following children’s interests

Daily Routine

• Balance of CIL & ADA
• Uninterrupted periods of CIL

Observation, Assessment & Planning

• Learning Journals
• Ages and Stages
• Assessment informing practice
• Continuous Provision

Observation, assessment and planning resources are available to download from:

• Early Years Resources

Adult Direct Activities

• Active Learning
• Whole group, small group, 1:1
• Process not product
• Modelling

Child Initiated Learning

• Extended uninterrupted periods
• Engaging in play
• Role of the adult

Effective Team Work

• Communication
• Time
• Mutual professional respect regardless of qualifications

Parents as Partners

• Engaging
• Including
• Valuing
• Communication

Teaching & Learning

• Early Years - Teaching and Learning

Inclusive Practice

• Early Years - Inclusion

More information on all of these can be found on the 5 day Early Years and the NQT course, the annual New to Early Years Foundation Stage course or through training from the Early Years Team and / or consultancy visits. This can include staff meetings, in-house training, support with your environment and more. 

Please contact The Early Years Team for more information or view the latest available courses. Book online at:

• Foundation Stage in Schools
• Early Years Settings and Children's Centres