Would you expect a 10-year-old to show the same learning and development as a 12-year-old? Probably not, since one child has lived 20 per cent longer than the other. So why does the Government expect summer-born children in a reception class to attain at the same level as those who are nearly a year older?
This month, reception teachers across England are completing their assessments of whether or not children measure up to where they are 'expected' to be, based on a best-fit judgement around the Early Learning Goals.
The stated main purpose of the EYFS Profile is to support transition to Year 1, so the receiving teachers understand where children are and can plan how best to support their progress. That purpose is best served by passing on clear information about unique children. The EYFSP assessment can support this, and the new requirement to share how each child learns in terms of the characteristics of effective learning is a welcome addition.
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