Bolton Start Well

This includes the following:

Revised EYFS statutory framework / non statutory Development Matters
The statutory framework will be updated to reflect final policy on the reforms to the early years foundation stage as confirmed in the Government's consultation response and reflected in the early adopter framework.

The DfE are seeking views on minor changes to the safeguarding and welfare section of the framework, to clarify existing policy and reflect updates in the law since the last revision of the EYFS in 2017; and so the revised statutory framework will be updated to include these additional changes. You can find out more here: https://foundationyears.org.uk/2021/02/have-your-say-draft-eyfs-framework-statutory-instrument/

The DfE are also currently seeking feedback from early adopters and depending on feedback may make refinements to Development Matters in summer.

EYFS online support service for PVI's and Childminders
The DfE plans to launch the first release of an EYFS online support service in the spring. The service will be aimed at the pre-reception workforce, based on user research, but will be accessible to all. It will include information about the reforms including why the changes have been made, details of what the changes will look like in practice, case studies, examples of activities and links to further supporting information. It will be added to over time.

The DfE are in the process of developing a webinar for childminders and PVI settings that will include information about the reforms both in terms of the changes and implementation. This is expected March 2021

Webinar support will be provided to Headteachers and senior leaders focused on the EYFS reforms in relation to paperwork, tracking and assessment
The DfE will be delivering a webinar for Managers, Headteachers and senior leaders that will explore leaders knowledge and understanding of the changes, explore tracking and assessment and the use of EYFSP data. Expected before the end of March 2021.

EYFSP handbook
The 2022 EYFSP handbook will be published summer 2021 - to support schools when undertaking the EYFSP assessments during the summer of the first year of national rollout (2021/22) to give schools and local authorities sufficient time to review the changes. Targeted assessment support resources, including short videos of professionals and children that focus on the changes to the EYFSP are hoped to be published in the summer term 2021.

Bolton Start Well Support
Bolton Start Well will provide a range of follow up activity to support the DfE resources, to facilitate discussion and provide support to all providers to begin to implement the reforms. We are keen to hear from you what would be helpful. Please send your suggestions to startwellbooking@bolton.gov.uk

The Bolton Start Well Spring Early Years Leads Briefings for providers can be found in the Previous briefings section of the Bolton Start Well website. The briefings included a summary of key documentation, links to webinars and resources and thoughts on starting points for leaders in the EYFS. A key message - this is not a “new start” from September 2021.  There is a lot of excellent practice already in place and evaluating what works to help children achieve well and narrow the gap should be our starting point.  Bolton Early Adopter Schools have been working with the revised framework since September and want to be able to share their experiences with the wider sector.

Bolton Start Well are currently developing some dedicated web pages to keep information about the EYFS reforms in one place to make access easier for you.  Further information to follow.