Schools are beinginvited to adopt the government’s controversial early years reforms fromthe beginning of the next academic year -12 monthsbefore the plannednational rollout.
The “early adopter” schools will implementthe new Early Learning Goals (ELGs), part of the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP),in September 2020 -one year before the revised framework becomes compulsory in September 2021.
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In 2018, the Department for Education (DfE) proposed changes to the ELGs, designed to improve outcomes at age 5. These wereaimed atboosting language development, especially for the most disadvantaged children. The updated ELGswere piloted in a small group ofschools in September 2018.
EYFS changes
Thecontroversially omitted the need to assess children on the mathematical area of “shape, space and measure”or on their ability to use technology, such as computers and cameras.
The government has today sent letters to councils and schools inviting them to participate in the early rollout. Headteachers canconfirm their participation by completing an e-survey, which will be sent to schools directly.
Nick Gibb, minister for school standards, said: “I want teachers to have more time interacting with children to develop their language and vocabulary, providing them with the best platform to fulfiltheir potential at school.
“The reformed early years foundation stage framework will support pupils’ education as they move through the early years to more formal schooling, and reduce teacher workload.
“We are inviting schools to adopt the changes early, giving them the opportunity to strengthen their practice a year ahead of statutory implementation.”
The revised framework isset to be rolled out in 2021 after a public, which will end on 31 January 2020.
