Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework Syllabus

Give examples of pedagogy that supports the characteristics of effective learning.

Providing open-ended resources and time/space for child-initiated play; modelling and 'sustained shared thinking'; offering challenge and allowing productive struggle; commenting rather than over-directing; following children's interests; and creating an enabling environment that encourages exploration, persistence and problem-solving.

What is 'sustained shared thinking' and why does it matter for the characteristics of effective learning?

It is an episode in which two or more individuals (adult-child or child-child) work together to solve a problem, clarify a concept, or extend a narrative. It supports Creating and Thinking Critically by helping children develop and connect ideas and reasoning.

What is the progress check at age two, and when must it be carried out?

A statutory short written summary of a child's development in the three prime areas, completed by practitioners when a child is aged between 24 and 36 months. It identifies the child's strengths and any areas where progress is less than expected.

What must the two-year-old progress check include, and who is it shared with?

It must review progress in the three prime areas (Communication and Language; Physical Development; PSED), describe activities/strategies to address any concerns, and note where additional support (e.g. SEN) may be needed. It is shared with parents/carers, and parents are encouraged to share it with relevant professionals (e.g. health visitor).

How does the two-year-old progress check relate to the Healthy Child Programme health review?

There is an expectation that the EYFS progress check and the Healthy Child Programme health and development review at age two are informed by each other and integrated where possible, to give a coordinated picture of the child's development.

What is the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA), and when is it administered?

A statutory, activity-based assessment of children's early literacy, communication, language and mathematics, administered within the first six weeks of a child starting Reception. It became statutory from autumn 2021.

What is the primary purpose of the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA)?

To provide a starting point (baseline) from which to measure the progress schools make with pupils between Reception and the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6). It is a school accountability measure, not an assessment used to label or judge individual children.

How are the results of the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) reported and used?

Schools receive a series of short, narrative statements about how the pupil performed (to inform teaching), but numerical scores are not shared and are not used to judge individual children. The data is held to form a school-level progress measure at the end of primary school.

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP), and when is it completed?

A statutory summative assessment completed in the final term of the year in which a child turns five (the end of Reception). Practitioners assess each child against the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) to give a holistic picture of attainment at the end of the EYFS.

How are children assessed in the EYFS Profile against the Early Learning Goals?

For each of the 17 Early Learning Goals, the practitioner makes a best-fit judgement that the child is either 'expected' (meeting the level of development) or 'emerging' (not yet reaching the expected level). The previous 'exceeding' category was removed in the 2021 reforms.

What is the basis for EYFS Profile judgements, and what role do exams or tests play?

Judgements are based primarily on the practitioner's ongoing observation of the child's day-to-day activities and self-initiated learning (professional knowledge of the child) - not on tests or tasks. The Profile must reflect ongoing observation and the child's behaviour across a range of contexts.

What is the purpose and audience of the EYFS Profile?

To provide a reliable, accurate summary of each child's development at the end of the EYFS to support a successful transition to Key Stage 1, to inform Year 1 teachers, and to engage parents/carers in their child's learning. It also informs national data on attainment.

What is 'ongoing formative assessment' (assessment for learning) in the EYFS?

The continuous process by which practitioners observe children, understand their level of achievement, interests and learning styles, and use this to shape teaching and learning experiences. It guides what to plan next; it is not about generating excessive paperwork.

According to the EYFS, what is the official stance on paperwork and evidence for assessment?

Assessment should not entail prolonged breaks from interaction with children, nor require excessive paperwork. Practitioners are not required to keep formal evidence or 'levels' for the day-to-day; the emphasis is on knowing the child through observation to inform responsive teaching.

What is the role of observation in early years assessment, and what cycle does it follow?

Observation underpins formative assessment. Practitioners typically follow an 'observe - assess - plan' cycle: observe what the child does, assess/interpret their development and interests, then plan appropriate next steps and provision, before observing again.

What does the EYFS require every setting to have regarding safeguarding policy and lead?

A clear safeguarding policy and procedures consistent with the Local Safeguarding Partners; and a designated practitioner (Designated Safeguarding Lead, DSL) who takes lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection and liaises with local agencies.

What is the practitioner's statutory duty if they have concerns about a child's safety or welfare?

They must act on concerns in line with the setting's safeguarding policy and local procedures, referring to local children's social care and/or the police where a child is at risk. Staff must be alert to signs of abuse and neglect and must not delay in sharing concerns.

What does the EYFS require providers to train staff on for safeguarding?

Providers must train all staff to understand the safeguarding policy and procedures, ensure staff have up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding issues, and be able to identify signs of possible abuse and neglect (physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect) and respond appropriately, including awareness of issues such as the 'Prevent' duty and FGM.

What checks must providers carry out to ensure adults are suitable to work with children?

Providers must obtain an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, verify identity, qualifications, references and a full employment history, and confirm the person is not disqualified. They must ensure ongoing suitability and that staff are physically and mentally fit for the role.

What is the EYFS requirement regarding disqualification and staff suitability over time?

Providers must not employ anyone who is disqualified or barred from working with children, and must have an ongoing duty to ensure staff remain suitable - including requiring staff to declare any convictions, cautions, court orders or other matters that may affect their suitability.

What is the 'key person' approach required by the EYFS, and what must each child be assigned?

Every child must be assigned a key person (a named practitioner). The key person helps ensure that the child's care is tailored to their individual needs, helps the child become familiar with the setting, builds a relationship with parents, and supports the child's settling-in and learning.

State the EYFS staff:child ratios for children aged under two and aged two.

For children under two: at least one adult to every three children ($1:3$). For children aged two: at least one adult to every five children ($1:5$). (For children aged three and over in settings with a qualified teacher/EYP the ratio is $1:13$, otherwise $1:8$.)

State the EYFS staff:child ratio for children aged three and over in different settings.

For children aged three and over: at least $1:13$ where a person with Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years Professional/Teacher status or equivalent leads and is working directly with the children; otherwise at least $1:8$. In maintained nursery/reception classes (school) infant class size rules give $1:30$ with a qualified teacher.

What qualification requirements apply to staff counted in EYFS ratios?

At least one member of staff in each setting must hold a full and relevant level 3 qualification, and at least half of all other staff must hold a full and relevant level 2 qualification (childminders excepted). The manager should hold a level 3 and at least two years' relevant experience.

What does the EYFS require providers to do regarding risk assessment and the physical environment?

Providers must ensure premises, including indoor and outdoor spaces, furniture, equipment and toys, are safe and suitable, and must conduct risk assessments to identify and minimise hazards (either written or demonstrable). They must keep the environment fit for purpose and ensure children are kept safe while still able to take appropriate risks in play.

What are the EYFS requirements relating to indoor and outdoor space and access to outdoors?

Providers must provide access to an outdoor play area or, where this is not possible, ensure outdoor activities are planned and taken on a daily basis (unless circumstances such as weather make this inappropriate). Indoor space must be adequate for the number of children and there are recommended minimum floor-space-per-child standards by age.

What is the EYFS requirement regarding paediatric first aid (PFA) for staff working with young children?

At least one person with a current and full paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present, and must accompany children on outings. Newly qualified level 2/3 entrants must hold PFA within three months of starting to be counted in ratios.

How long is a paediatric first aid certificate valid, and what is the minimum course length?

A full paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate is valid for three years and must then be renewed. The minimum course is a 12-hour course covering the needs of babies and young children.

What are the EYFS rules for administering medicines to children?

Providers must have and implement a policy for administering medicines, including effective management systems to support individual children with medical needs. Medicines must not usually be administered unless prescribed by a doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist (and prescription medicines only where a written instruction exists). Prior written parental consent must be obtained before any medicine is given, and a written record of medicines administered (and parents informed the same day) must be kept.

What must a setting do regarding records of accidents, injuries and first aid?

Providers must keep a written record of accidents or injuries and any first aid treatment given, and must inform parents/carers of any accident, injury or first aid treatment on the same day (or as soon as reasonably practicable). Serious accidents, illnesses or deaths must be notified to Ofsted (and local child protection agencies) and RIDDOR where relevant.