Statutory framework
The Early years foundation stage statutory framework (EYFS) sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. The EYFS seeks to provide:
- Quality and consistency in all early years settings, so that every child makes good progress and no child gets left behind.
- A secure foundation through planning for the learning and development of each individual child and assessing and reviewing what they have learned regularly.
- Partnership working between practitioners and with parents and/or carers.
- Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, ensuring that every child is included and supported.
Early Years Foundation Stage and Documents:
- Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework
- Development Matters - non statutory curriculum guidance for the early years foundation stage
- Progress check at age 2
- A Guide to The Two Year Old Progress Check at Age Two
- Progress check at age two template - Development Matters
- Progress check at age two template - Birth to 5 Matters
Help for early years provides
Resources, activities and support articles for childminders and practitioners working with children aged 0-5 years.
Help for early years providers : Support for practitioners -including SEND guidance
Help for early years providers : Areas of learning
Help for early years providers : Health and wellbeing - including sleep guidance
Physical development
Physical activity guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report
A report from the Chief Medical Officers in the UK on the amount and type of physical activity people should be doing to improve their health.
Infographics - explaining the physical activity needed for general health benefits for all age groups.
Transition
Transferring to another setting
Providers / childminders should complete transition records before children transfer to another provision. A transition report should be a summary of the child's progress in each of the seven areas of learning and development and shared with the new setting, with parents / carers consent.
Starting Reception
The transition to reception checklists are designed to support the transfer of information during the transition to reception class. This should be completed for all children and sent on to the primary school with parents/carers consent.
The Department for Education has published new guidance to strengthen transition practice:
Health
Healthy Early Years London
Healthy Early Years London & Healthy Schools London (HEYL) programme was originally launched in September 2018 when the mayor made a commitment to focus on the health of young children.
In early 2023, the National Children's Bureau was appointed as the delivery partner for two important and well-established awards schemes created by the Mayor of London. The awards recognise how early years settings, childminders and schools reduce child health inequalities and support children and families in the capital to be as healthy as possible.
Healthy Early Years London is an awards scheme which recognises achievements in child health, wellbeing, and development in early years. 1,500+ Early Years settings have received an award across all boroughs.
In Enfield many providers have joined the programme, some have already successfully completed their bronze, silver and gold awards.
Many providers have found by taking part that it has had a positive impact on their provision, and outcomes for children and families. If you would like more information about how to start the HEYL programme, please email: gill.critchlow@enfield.gov.uk.
Health protection in children and young people settings, including education
A practical guide for staff on managing cases of infectious diseases in children and young people setting, including education
Nutrition guidance for the early years sector
Guidance for group and school-based providers and childminders in England caring for early years children aged 0-5 years.
Ofsted
Guidance:
- Report changes to registered people in your nursery or other daycare
- Childminders: report new people in the setting
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks : childcare providers
- Get a DBS check if you live or work in a childcare setting
- Apply to join a nursery or other daycare organisation (EY2)
- Applying to work some of the time on non-domestic premises (EYA)
- Framework for the regulation of providers on the Childcare Register
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks: childcare providers - GOV.UK
- Daycare roles that must register with Ofsted
- Childcare: significant events to notify Ofsted about
Childcare register requirements :
- Daycare providers on the compulsory Childcare Register : Ofsted requirements
- Daycare providers on the voluntary Childcare Register : Ofsted requirements
- Requirements for childminders registered on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register
- Requirements for childminders registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register
Ofsted's role in regulating childcare: poster for parents - Ofsted poster for parents
Ofsted inspections
Early years inspection information
Early years inspections: frequently asked questions – Ofsted: early years
Early years inspection: toolkit, operating guide and information - GOV.UK Guidance for inspectors and providers on inspecting registered early years settings in England under the renewed education inspection framework.
Using Ofsted logos and copyright - Guidance on using Ofsted's logos, plus copyright information.