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Coming soon to all local authorities is the new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

The purpose of the EYFS is to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life and the support necessary to fulfil their potential. Research shows that a child’s experience in the early years has a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right and it provides a foundation for children to make the most of their talents as they grow up.

From Sept 2008 the EYFS framework will be a legal requirement for all Ofsted registered settings attended by young children; that is all children from birth to the end of the academic year in which a child has his or her fifth birthday i.e. the end of the reception year. The EYFS brings together the curriculum and care standards. All childcare providers must ensure that their early year’s provision meets with both the learning and development requirements and the welfare requirements of the EYFS. The care and education elements of a child’s experience in an early years setting should be inseparable.

The themes of the EYFS recognise that each child is unique and needs both strong relationships and environments to help their learning and development. The Children and Families Service will be supporting childcare providers in Cheshire to meet the new requirements by September 2008.

When parents choose to use early years services they want to know that their children will be safe and helped to thrive. The aim of the EYFS will help young children achieve the ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomes, i.e. stay safe, be healthy, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well being.

For more information on childcare provision in your area, contact Cheshire’s Children’s Information Service Free on 0800 0852 863

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