The Early Years
The importance of early years education on a child's development has been at the core of recent reviews and government strategies. Particularly for the most disadvantaged children and families, the standard of care, parenting and environmental factors can determine the future life chances of children and wether they might reach their full potential.
Below you can find information
The Frank Field Review
In June 2010, Frank Field MP was commissioned to lead an independent review of poverty and life chances, to examine the nature and extent of poverty in the UK and recommend the implementation of measures by Government to reduce child poverty, and increase life chances for the most disadvantaged children by intervening at their early developmental stage (first 5 years of life). To learn more, please read the Frank Field Review Briefing.
The Graham Allen Review
In July 2010, Graham Allen MP was commissioned by the Coalition Government to lead an independent review of early intervention projects for children. The first report from the Review, Early Intervention: The Next Steps, was published on the 19th January 2011 and is structured in two parts. Part 1 covers the rationale, benefits, policy and practice of current programmes; part 2 makes up to 33 recommendations for a focus on early intervention, including pioneering local authorities and the creation of an independent Early Intervention Foundation. To learn more about this, please read the Graham Allen Review Briefing on Early Intervention .
The Tickell Review
On 6 July 2010, Children’s Minister Sarah Teather asked Dame Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of Action for Children, to carry out an independent review of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to consider how this could be less bureaucratic and more focused on supporting children’s early learning.
The review covers four main areas:
- scope of regulation – whether there should be one single framework for all Early Years providers
- learning and development – looking at the latest evidence about children’s development and what is needed to give them the best start at school
- assessment – whether young children’s development should be formally assessed, at a certain age, and what this should cover
- welfare – the minimum standards to keep children safe and support their healthy development.
The review reported on 30 March 2011 with a view to implementing any changes from September 2012 onwards. To learn more, please visit the Tickell Review page.