In light of the introduction of the latest lockdown, where schools should only allow vulnerable children and children of key workers to attend, the education secretary has decided that it will not be mandatory to complete the EYFSP assessment in 2021.
The Department for Education said that this was in recognition of the extra pressures and uncertainties that teachers are facing during this challenging time. It also aligns with the DfE’s approach on KS1 and KS2 assessments this year.
However, the DfE said schools should use their ‘best endeavours’ to undertake it.
The EYFSP assessment did not go ahead on a national basis in 2020 due to Covid-19 implications.
It will be up to schools and teachers to decide whether they are able to complete the Profile with Reception children this year, depending on their individual circumstances and the upcoming weeks and months.
This change applies to schools who are early adopters of the EYFS reforms, as well as schools who are following the current statutory framework.
The DfE said that the EYFSP was a valued assessment by teachers and early years professionals and was a crucial tool in supporting children’s development and the transition from Reception to Year 1.
‘It is for that reason we will be asking teachers and early years practitioners to use their best endeavours to still complete the EYFSP for children in the summer term if at all possible and to provide this important information to parents and to year 1 teachers, should the situation at the time allow,’ it said.
Schools that decide they are able to complete the EYFSP this year and provide this information to parents and Year 1 teachers will not be subject to statutory external moderation. There will be no requirement to submit data to the local authority or to confirm whether they have completed the EYFSP to the DfE.
Schools minister Nick Gibb said, ‘Education continues to be a national priority, with the early years being some of the most crucial for a child’s development. Teachers are working hard to adjust to the challenges they face at this time so that every child receives the excellent education they deserve.
‘In recognition of the additional pressures Reception teachers face, it will not be mandatory to complete the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile assessment in 2021 but instead we will be asking schools to make their best endeavours to do it.
‘We are determined to give children a strong foundation for their future and will continue to monitor the situation and work with schools on next steps.’
The DfE said the decision was still subject to parliamentary process, as of January 2021.
More information
The DfE has updated the EYFS disapplication guidance here.