The revised Early Years Foundation Stage will become statutory in September 2021.

Schools were invited to sign up to adopt the EYFS reforms in 2020/2021, a year ahead of the rollout. Those which chose to do so are referred to as ‘early adopters’.

Early adopters use the new framework to assess the new ELGs and use the new Development Matters, which fits with the new framework.

If you’re a non-early adopter school, nursery, or childminder, you may find some parts of the updated Development Matters useful, but you’ll still need to follow the existing EYFS framework this year.

Resources

Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage: Setting the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five – EYFS reforms early adopter version – July 2020 (GOV.UK)

Early years foundation stage profile – 2021 handbook – EYFS reforms early adopter version – June 2021 (GOV.UK)

Development Matters: Non-statutory curriculum guidance for the early years foundation stage – September 2020 (GOV.UK)

Video podcast on the new Development Matters, non-statutory curriculum guidance which supports the delivery of the revised early years foundation stage statutory framework (Foundation Years)

Key documents and information relating to Early Years reforms (Foundation Years)