Ofsted reports positive start for Early Years Foundation Stage

In a recent report, Ofsted have asserted that childcare providers are ably delivering the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and have identified training as a key contributor to their success.

The report, entitled ‘The impact of the Early Years Foundation Stage: A good start’, has been developed in order to inform a review of the initial stages of the EYFS. It examines the work of all providers across the childcare sector, from large primary schools to independent childminders.

The EYFS is the statutory framework which assesses the provision of learning and development for young children, as well as their welfare. It encompasses all providers of early education.

Ofsted focussed on two areas of learning in their report; namely personal, social and emotional development and communication, language and literary skills. They found that, across the board, childcare providers were meeting the requirements of the framework and were doing so through training, support and challenge.

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, said: “Childcare in England has improved since the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Our evidence shows that all kinds of provider, from schools to childminders, can deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage well and that children are enjoying their time, whatever type of provision they attend.

“In the best provision, childcare providers have established routines, high expectation of children’s behaviour and a good understanding of learning needs. They are also committed to their own development and make the most of the external support available.”

By the end of August 2010, the number of childcare providers judged to be good or outstanding was 68%, compared to 59% before the EYFS framework was introduced. Outcomes related to personal, social and emotional development were rated as either satisfactory or better in all the schools and childcare providers visited. All providers and schools that were found to have improved had received some form of training since the previous inspection.

First Response Training offers training courses for the childcare sector which are mapped to the criteria set out by the Early Years Foundation Stage and are developed in line with Ofsted requirements and the guidelines of the National Childminder’s Association.

Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “For those working in the early years childcare and education sector, training is absolutely vital. Providers have an important role in the early development of children and should take professional development and best practice guidelines extremely seriously.

“It is great to see from this report that all types of providers are doing a brilliant job and are delivering the outcomes well. However, to ensure that they can continue to offer the best and safest provision possible, they need to undergo regular training, including proper health and safety and first aid training. For more information on the early years training that First Response can offer, please call us today on free phone 0800 310 2300.”