The early years foundation stage (EYFS) sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

In October 2019, the Department for Education (DfE) launched a public consultation seeking views on changes to the statutory framework for the EYFS. The consultation includes proposed changes to the educational programmes, the early learning goals and the EYFS profile assessment.

Current statutory framework

Archive: EYFS documents

COVID-19: Temporary disapplications to the EYFS

To support early years providers during the coronavirus outbreak, the government temporarily disapplied and modified certain elements of the EYFS statutory framework. 

Find out more

Key documents

Statutory EYFS framework  (applies from 1 September 2021)

This is the revised and final EYFS framework that all registered nurseries, childminders, schools and pre-schools in England will follow from 1 September 2021.

Early years settings, other than registered EYFS reforms early adopters (who must continue to follow the early adopter framework) must continue to follow the current EYFS framework until 1 September 2021, however the revised framework is being made available for all settings now to help them prepare for the changes.


Development Matters

This non-statutory curriculum guidance supports the delivery of the revised EYFS statutory framework. It offers a top-level view of how children develop and learn, and guides, but does not replace, professional judgement.


EYFS reforms early adopter framework

This framework is for schools participating in the EYFS reforms early adopter year from September 2020 to August 2021.

This document should be used by schools participating in the EYFS reforms early adopter year from September 2020 to August 2021. Those who are not early adopters may find some elements of the updated documents useful in 2020/21 but they will still need to follow the existing EYFS framework.


EYFS reforms early adopter profile handbook

This handbook is for schools participating in the EYFS reforms early adopter year from September 2020 to August 2021.

This document should be used by schools participating in the EYFS reforms early adopter year from September 2020 to August 2021. Those who are not early adopters may find some elements of the updated documents useful in 2020/21 but they will still need to follow the existing EYFS framework.

Learn – Explore – Debate events – Implementing the revised EYFS

NCB recently delivered five free Learn – Explore – Debate events focused on supporting early years settings to implement the revised EYFS.

The events brought early years practitioners, local authorities, consultants and academics together with officials from the Department for Education and Ofsted to take an in-depth look at reducing unnecessary workload, tracking and assessment.

Our second session explored different kinds of practice to help us understand self-regulation in the early years and think about some of the practical ways we can support children and staff.

Watch the recordings and case studies

Development Matters vodcast

Find out more about the new Development Matters document and watch our vodcast with the Department for Education and Dr Julian Grenier who answer your questions on the new document.

Watch the vodcast

Foundation Years webinar

We were delighted to have Henna Jawaid, Team Leader: EYFS Reform Team at the Department for Education and Hannah Piggott, Senior Researcher at NatCen join us live to talk to the early years sector about the consultation and the pilot findings.

The session covered:

  • EYFS reforms context and update
  • Scope of the consultation
  • Overview of the proposed changes
  • Supporting the workforce and implementation
  • Pilot findings: understanding and using the revised ELGs

Download the slides