The earliest years in a child’s life are absolutely critical, providing the essential foundations for healthy development. If these foundations are not secure, children can experience long-term problems which often present wider social consequences. Children’s attainment, wellbeing, happiness and resilience are profoundly affected by the quality of the guidance, love and care they receive during the first years of their lives.

While parents and other carers at home are the main source of support, it is also imperative that the support and education provided in pre-school settings is of a high quality. In 2008 the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) was introduced with the intention of providing a framework to deliver consistent and high quality environments for all children in pre-school settings, recognising the importance of this period in a child’s life.

A review was promised at the time of the introduction of the EYFS and it became clear during the review that the EYFS is popular across the sector, and that outcomes for young children are improving. However, it is not perfect and I have identified areas where it can be improved.

My recommendations are designed to build on and improve the current statutory framework. Taken together, my recommendations aim to create a revised EYFS which is more flexible and more accessible, and which provides a strong foundation for all children and families.

Dame Clare Tickell
Independent chair of the EYFS review