Early Years Foundation Stage

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?

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 in England. All registered early years settings, maintained and independent schools are required to meet the learning, development and welfare requirements in the EYFS.

Find out more about EYFS 

How does CWDC's work relate to the EYFS?

The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage sets out the requirements for staff/child ratios in settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage and the qualification levels that practitioners must hold.

It is the role of CWDC to define the 'full and relevant' qualifications that practitioners included in the specified ratios must hold. These qualifications are listed on the Qualifications List for those delivering EYFS

The EYFS Review

On Tuesday 6 July 2010, Children's Minister Sarah Teather asked Dame Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of Action for Children, to carry out an independent review of the EYFS to consider how it could be less bureaucratic and more focused on supporting children's early learning. 

The review covers four main areas: 

• Scope of regulation
• Learning and development
• Assessment
• Safeguarding and welfare 

The review reported on Wednesday 30 March 2011 and included a number of recommendations for the workforce. The government published a response in July 2011, requesting feedback from the workforce and the wider sector before Friday 30 September 2011.

If you would like to take part in the consultation on the governments response to the Tickell review, click here.