‘What to expect, when?’ is the first-in-depth guide to help parents understand their child’s learning and development at different stages from birth to five.
Designed in response to a need for a simple and accessible guide for parents, it sets out clearly what they should notice their child is doing at six different age bands, from birth to 60 months, and maps this against the seven areas of learning in the EYFS.
The guidance has been developed against the background of a series of key developments, including the expansion of the integrated review, which merges the health visitor’s check that children have at the age of two with the EYFS progress check, the Early Years Pupil Premium from next month, and the two-year-old offer.
Sue Robb, national head of Early Years at 4 Children, said that through talking to parents when developing the document it was clear that, ‘Parents want to support but don’t know how’.
Taking the lead from parents, the research team looked at the framework and thought about how to make it accessible, using the principles and commitments of the EYFS, but also recognising that no child develops at the same rate.
The document gives different examples from a child’s point of view with ideas and tips on how parents can help their child’s learning and development.
Launching the guidance at 4Children’s Early Childhood Matters conference, Sam Gyimah said, ‘No parent should be left in the dark about their child’s development. This guide will be a hugely valuable tool for parents, who all want to know if their child’s development is on track.
‘ “What to Expect When” will offer them an invaluable peace of mind as well as helpful tips on how they can support their children to thrive in the vital early years.’
Chief executive of 4Children Imelda Redmond said, ‘This material will be able to support any parent or carer who wants to know more about their child’s development. Expert advice is hugely valuable when parents are in need of reassurance and a helping hand, and I hope as many parents as possible will be able to access it.’
Integrated review
The Government has also announced funding of £2 million to help local authorities expand the integrated review from September, which brings together the health visitor's check with the Progress Check at Age Two.
This follows the piloting of the scheme with some local authorities.
Mr Gyimah said, 'The pilots were a success, demonstrating to the authorities that took part the money, time and effort they could save with these checks - as well as a positive response from parents, who preferred the new streamlined approach and the advice provided.
'So, if, for example, your child is a little behind in language development, this can be identified as early as possible, and where necessary, support put in place.'
To ensure that children who are not in a formal childcare setting are not missed out, the minister said that £300,000 would be used to develop a joined-up review for children not in these settings.
Mr Gyimah said, ‘Parents don’t think in the way that Government departments work. Parents think about the solution to helping their children.
‘Speaking to a close friend about Government support, I said you can claim something from education, something else from the treasury.
‘And he said, “Why do I have to think that way?"
‘That is something the integrated review will do – break down the barriers and respond to parents in a way that is more solution-focused.’
‘Equally, though, parents will learn about their child’s strengths, and how well they are progressing in all areas of social, emotional and physical development.’
The minister added, ‘Our ultimate ambition is to offer a snapshot of every two-year-old child, everywhere, because regardless of their childcare setting, every family wants the best for their child as they progress.’
Download the guidance here