Find out about The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework sets statutory standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years.
All Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.
The EYFS provides all professionals with a set of common principles and commitments to deliver high-quality early education and childcare experiences to all children.
It gives parents and carers confidence that, regardless of where they choose for their child’s early education, the same statutory commitments and principles will underpin their child’s learning and development experience.
The Development Matters non-statutory guidance offers a top-level view of how children develop and learn. This document is currently being updated. A new version is expected in summer 2026.
It can help you to design an effective early years curriculum, building on the strengths and meeting the needs of the children you work with. It guides, but does not replace, professional judgement.
Childcare providers are subject to a duty under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, in the exercise of their functions, to have ‘due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism'.
Find free e-learning about how to support people vulnerable to radicalisation on GOV.UK.
Find support and information from the English as an Additional Language and Traveller Service (EALTS).
Settings must follow national and local requirements for safeguarding as outlined by Brighton & Hove Safeguarding Children Partnership.
The Early Years Team can carry out an audit of safeguarding practice on request, and has several useful guidance documents to help ensure your safeguarding systems are up to date and robust.
Contact the team for more information or to arrange a visit. Find out more about child protection.
This short guide from adoptionUK provides an overview of some issues facing adopted children and their families, and practical strategies to help nurseries and families work together to enable an adopted child to settle in and thrive.
The ‘What to expect when’ booklet is a useful resource for parents.
If you have 2-year-olds at your setting, you'll need to assess their progress in the EYFS prime areas.
Find guidance and an example pro forma.
Download a template for the EYFS progress check at age 2.
You can choose when to complete the checks, but it may be helpful if the ASQ at 27 months has already been completed by the Healthy Child Team.
The child’s Red Book (Personal Child Health Record), page 38, will be completed with a summary of the ASQ.
Add your summary of the child’s development to page 38a.
Go to the NHS Healthy Child Support Team to request support, or contact our Best Start Family Hubs.
For detailed information about eligibility criteria and how to claim EYPP, read our how to use the Early Years Pupil Premium page.
The Education Endowment Foundation website is a comprehensive resource to support the effective implementation of the EYPP.