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Early years foundation stage: New EYFS pack to clarify practice andterminology

The Early Years Foundation Stage pack will be reprinted next year to clarify best practice within the framework and to explain key terms.

Since the pack was published, concerns have been expressed thatinexperienced practitioners will struggle to understand, and soimplement, the guidance, while the Government, Ofsted, schools and earlyyears settings are using conflicting definitions of key terms.

The greatest disparity in interpretation has been over 'child-initiated'and 'adult-led'.

In response to a query on the EYFS website, a DCSF official said, 'Wewill be reprinting the EYFS early next year, which will provide us withan opportunity to provide additional clarification where we are aware itis needed.' An explanation of terms may be included, and will go on theEYFS website.

Early years consultant Jennie Lindon said, 'I would be pleased to seesome clear definitions of terms. But the explanation for"child-initiated" must focus on children's genuinely free choice ofmaterials and experiences from their well-resourced learningenvironment.'

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