---

Education: Early Years Foundation Stage

My honourable friend the Minister of State for Children and Families, Department for Education (Sarah Teather) has today made the following Statement. I am today publishing the government response to the consultation on the early years foundation stage (EYFS). The consultation has shown broad support for the Government’s proposals for a reformed EYFS, implementing the recommendations of Dame Clare Tickell’s independent review. The reforms will reduce paperwork and bureaucracy for professionals; focus attention on the areas most essential for children’s healthy development; support early intervention with children who face difficulties; and secure a stronger partnership with parents. The government response confirms our plans, including simplified assessment at age 5 and a new progress check for children aged 24 to 36 months, focused on the most important areas of children’s development. We also set out how we propose to refine the early learning goals (in particular literacy and maths), and minor changes to the guidance on assessment at age 5 to ensure it is relevant to all children including those with special educational needs and disabilities. I am launching an additional one-month consultation on the EYFS early learning goals and educational programmes, and the relevant statutory instrument. This further consultation is required by the Childcare Act 2006. The new early years framework is an important element in our plans to ensure families in the foundation years are supported, to give children the best possible start in life, and to ensure that all children have the knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for their future progress through school and life. The revised EYFS statutory framework (and the associated regulations) will be published in spring, to enable schools and other providers to prepare for implementation of the new EYFS from September 2012. I have placed a copy of the government response in the Libraries of both Houses.