What is the EYFS?
EYFS stands for the Early Years Foundation Stage. You may also see the phrase 'EYFS Statutory Framework' - this is an official government document that must be followed by all those who care for children aged 0-5. It lays out the standards for children's care, learning and development and is applicable to all schools, pre-schools, nurseries, playgroups and childminders. It provides lots of important information, including things like the number of children you can look after at one time, safeguarding, the seven areas of learning and suitability of the premises.
The most recent EYFS Statutory Framework was published in July 2020 and is being trialled by 'Early Adopter' schools from September 2020. Amongst the changes are new Early Learning Goals (ELG) for those children in Reception and there are different headings under the banners of the 7 areas of learning.
This new framework will be compulsory for all Early Years settings, including childminders, from September 2021 and maybe subject to change before it's launched officially. Until then, keep using the 'current' Framework (find that here), but start to make yourself aware of the new one and the changes that are coming - you can find the new one here.
The EYFS Statutory Framework is a document that you should download and read so that you are familiar with it.
What is the Development Matters?
Development Matters is a non-statutory document for practitioners to help us implement the Early Years curriculum in our settings. In September 2020, a new Development Matters was published to go alongside the new EYFS Statutory Framework and it is being trialled by 'Early Adopter' schools. This will be the new guidance for all Early Years settings, including childminders, from September 2021 and maybe subject to change before it's launched officially. Until then, keep using the 'current' Development Matters (find that here), but start to make yourself aware of the new one and the changes that are coming - you can find the new one here.
There are seven areas of learning (prime and specific) which are collectively known as the Early Years Outcomes and these are all underpinned by the Characteristics of Effective Learning. These are explained properly within the document, which is worth reading and familiarising yourself with. Here's an overview of the prime areas and the specific areas.
The Early Years Outcomes are used for tracking and assessing children's progress. Take a look at the Early Years Tracker Pack.
