Anyone know anything about the new EYFS?

[StressedToday]

I am part of the committee for a committee-run, pack away preschool. There seems to be a lot of argument amongst staff and committee at the moment about what the new EYFS says we can and can't do about adult-led sessions. For example, we currently do some drama activities ones afternoon a week and, weather depending, an outside walk on another afternoon. If we are taking the children off-site (i.e. the walk) they all need to go, but otherwise, children can opt in or out of the activities. Apparently, staff have been told that we cannot do this and that it must be child-led free play all the time.

So, my questions are these:

• Who is in charge of the EYFS and is their word law?
• Is there somewhere online I can find out about the new changes to the EYFS?

Thanks!!

EYFS website

There is a link on their to the new EYFS booklet here.

Thanks. That's just what I was looking for!

Hello!

I am a teacher who is going to be moving to nursery next year and I've just completed my training and induction to the new EYFS. It's actually very similar to how it was before, the only difference being that all activities, planned or otherwise, begin with the child and their interests. So planning less, assessing more! So, if a child finds interest in something that would involve a walk, then by all means go on the walk and give the children the opportunity to opt in, as you said. But because the planning is now EXCLUSIVELY child-led, you cannot plan for activities that have little or nothing to do with what the children have been expressing or need.

Hope that kind of makes sense!!

Well, in the briefing I attended a couple of weeks ago, the message came across loud and strong that it's very much the same as it has been since it was devised, but with less paperwork. Seems a win win all round from where I'm sitting.
The interpretation I got, was of course you can continue to do the things that are so lovely for the children, but that they need to be planned in advance . risk assessed, etc.. They are not banning them, they are just reiterating the value of child led learning whenever you can. That does not exclude the activities you mention.

You absolutely can continue with your adult led activities.
From page 6
"1.9 Each area of learning and development must be implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activity. Play is essential for children?s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems, and relate to others. Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults. There is an ongoing judgement to be made by practitioners about the balance between activities led by children, and activities led or guided by adults. Practitioners must respond to each child?s emerging needs and interests, guiding their development through warm, positive interaction. As children grow older, and as their development allows, it is expected that the balance will gradually shift towards more activities led by adults, to help children prepare for more formal learning, ready for Year 1."

Thanks all!

Phoenix and Backforgood - that's my understanding of it, too. Thank you.

insancerre - I could kiss you. That is just what I need. Thank you.