The Early Years Foundation Stage. (EYFS) statutory framework is mandatory for all schools that provide early years provision and Ofsted-registered early years providers in England. The 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 Early Years Foundation Stage. (EYFS) statutory framework is mandatory for all schools that provide early years provision and early years providers registered with Ofsted or with an Ofsted-registered Childminder Agency in England. The 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. Ofsted are the sole arbiter of quality for all childcare entitlements and Ofsted and inspectorates of independent schools have regard to the EYFS in carrying out inspections and report on the quality and standards of provision. Childminder agencies (CMAs) are organisations that can register and quality assure childminders as an alternative to registering with Ofsted. Local authorities have a legal duty to provide information, advice and training on meeting the requirements of the EYFS, meeting the needs of children with SEND and on effective safeguarding and child protection for providers who are rated less than ‘Good’ by Ofsted or newly registered providers. Provision must be offered in accordance with the national parameters on quality as set out in Section A3 of Early Education and Childcare Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities and the EYFS statutory framework. If an early year setting (excluding maintained schools), receives an Ofsted Judgement that results in the provider no longer being able to offer EEF for a particular age group, then the local authority will consider A3.13 of the DfE Early education and childcare - Statutory guidance for local authorities. A panel of at least three officers will meet to discuss the actions set out in the Ofsted report/action plan. The panel will undertake a sufficiency assessment as set out in A3.10 of the statutory guidance. The provider will be notified in writing of the outcome and support available. If reasonable progress has not been made the authority may withdraw funding – see Termination and Withdrawal of Funding section. Occasionally, situations may arise that give cause for concern. If the Local Authority has concerns that they feel warrants attention, a meeting will be held with representatives from Early Start and Family Services and the Funding Team. As these situations fall outside of an Ofsted judgment, the support is subject to a voluntary agreement and reciprocal participation to improve outcomes for children. An action plan will be drawn up and additional support will form part of the offer.
The Early Years Foundation Stage. Providers must help children to work towards the Early Learning Goals as described in the DCSF publication ‘The Early Years Foundation Stage – Setting the Standards for Learning, Development and Care for children from birth to five (available on 0845 60 222 60). Where English is not the main language used by children, the educational programme must still help children acquire competence in English as soon as possible, making use where appropriate, of their developing understanding and skills in other languages.
