Early Years Foundation – an educational hot potato!

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The Roedean Blog

Early Years Foundation – an educational hot potato!

On 2 October, The Times reported that two Steiner Schools have won the right to opt out of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.

In September 2008 it became law that all UK schools followed this curriculum for early years education. As part of this, there are 69 objectives that have to be met to measure a child’s progress by the time they are five.

Many schools have found this a difficult concept to accept as it is basically state-regulated independent schooling.

This has now cleared the way for independent schools to consider their future involvement. John Tranmer, chairman of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) who have over 600 schools in their association said that it would back any of its members who wanted to opt out.

Roedean belongs to the Girl’s School Association (GSA) which has not made a comment on the issue as yet. However, on Thursday I am attending our local area conference at which I will be canvassing the other Sussex GSA schools.

Personally, I see the EYFS regulations provide structure for all the early years settings. Importantly, it sets clear benchmarks of achievement. However, it is prescriptive and there is a danger that schools will pigeonhole children at an early age. This is an educational hot potato!

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Read The Times’ initial report:

By Huw May, Head, Roedean Junior School at Tuesday, 6 October 2009

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