NDNA Welcomes How EYFS Review Calls for Framework to Stay and Outlines Actions for Improvement

March 30, 2011 - PRLog -- National Day Nurseries Association, Head Office, 30 March 2011 – National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) today responded to Dame Clare Tickell’s review of the Early Years Foundation Stage ‘The Early Years: Foundations for life, health and learning.’ NDNA welcomed how the review has recognised the value of the framework and how it has outlined a series of recommendations to improve the EYFS further.

Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) comments: “NDNA will be working closely with government to discuss the review and its response to this and any plans for taking the recommendations forward. It is important the sector takes a look at today’s review and we look forward to supporting members to understand the implications of the forthcoming Government response and consultation on any proposed changes. There was an overwhelming message from the sector that the EYFS should be here to stay, and we welcome how the review recognises that much has already been achieved. The early years is a critical stage of development and access to high-quality learning makes a real difference to children’s outcomes.”

“A range of views have clearly been listened to, and we were pleased to see that 82% of those responding thought the EYFS provided an effective structure for children’s learning. We agree with Dame Tickell in that there is much to be proud of with the EYFS, and it is critical to look at addressing issues. The review raises some interesting points for Government to consider, and NDNA believes nurseries will welcome a slimmed down framework to reduce bureaucracy, improve understanding and free up practitioners to spend more time with children. We believe slimming down the number of early learning goals and creating core areas of learning will support nurseries in reducing paperwork and help ensure that children are set on the right path for school and life-long learning. Providers too will welcome recommendations for local authorities and Ofsted to work closely together so that inspections are consistent, and that Ofsted is clear about what is expected at inspection to help reduce paperwork.”

Purnima continues: “The recommendation around a ‘developmental check’ at aged two will benefit children and families and early identification of children’s needs. We look forward to further discussion about how this can potentially be implemented without creating more day-to-day bureaucracy and how nurseries and health visitors are supported to work together in partnership. NDNA is also pleased to see that the critical importance of workforce skills and knowledge in delivering a high-quality service has been recognised, and we hope that government will reflect this by continuing to invest in areas such as Early Years Professional Status.”

To find out more about the NDNA please visit http://www.ndna.org.uk

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Notes to editors:  

For more information, to arrange interviews or photographs please contact Hayley Wilson, Senior Press and Policy Officer on T: 01484 40 70 66 E: hayley.wilson@ndna.org.uk M: 07718 803 652

National Day Nurseries Association is a national charity representing children’s nurseries across the UK, giving them information, training and support, so they can provide the best possible care to young children. NDNA is the voice of the sector, an integral part of the lives of nearly one million children and their families.

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National Day Nurseries Association is a national charity representing children’s nurseries across the UK, giving them information, training and support, so they can provide the best possible care to young children.