The Tickell Review of the Early Years Foundation Stage

Tickell Review – The Background

When the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) was launched in 2008 the then government gave a commitment that it’s progress would be reviewed in two years. In July 2010, Sarah Teather, the Children?s Minister, asked Dame Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of Action for Children, to conduct this independent review of the EYFS to consider how it could be less bureaucratic and more focused on supporting children?s early learning.

The review covers four main areas:

• Scope of regulation ? whether there should be one single framework for all Early Years providers
• Learning and development ? looking at the latest evidence about children?s development and
• What is needed to give them the best start at school
• Assessment ? whether young children?s development should be formally assessed, at a certain age, and what this should cover
• Welfare ? the minimum standards to keep children safe and support their healthy development.
• The review reported on 30 March 2011 with a view to implementing any changes from September 2012 onwards.