1.1 Explain Why Early Years Frameworks

CU1533 – Context and principles for early years progression

1.1 Explain the legal status and principles of the relevant early years frameworks and how national and local guidance materials are used in settings

The Early Years Foundation Stage looks at six areas: Personal, social and emotional development, Communication, language and literacy, Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy, Knowledge and understanding of the world, Physical development and Creative development. Children are assessed at the end of their reception year and the teacher completes and early years profile which consists of thirteen different scales that link to the early learning goals from the areas of learning.

1.2 Explain how different approaches to work with children

in the early years has influenced current provision in the UK

Reggio Emilia

This approach is inspired by a group of pre-schools in the city of Reggio Emilia in Italy. This approach is focused on a partnership with parents and children aged 0-6 and these children being involved in their own learning. The main features of this approach are that children need some control over their own learning, with teachers acting as a facilitator. Also that children learn using all of their senses and that children need a rich environment so that they are able to learn and express themselves in a multitude of ways.
This approach has many influences on the EYFS curriculum. One of these is that practitioners need to provide opportunities for child initiated play and there is a theme entitled ‘enabling environment’ that makes practitioners think about how rich the environments are for the children. Another influence is an emphasis on sensory and outdoor play and also on child learning through play with other children.

High/Scope

This approach began in the United States to help improve the outcomes of disadvantaged children. This model stresses the importance of children being involved in the decision making and taking responsibility. Within this approach children are considered active learners and therefore play is used as the model for learning. Routines are also important so the children can gain stability.
The influences on the EYFS curriculum from this approach is that practitioners need to provide opportunities for child-initiated play and that they talk to the children about their learning.

Montessori

This approach started with an Italian doctor, Maria Montessori, who wanted to improve the outcomes for children with disabilities. This approach stresses the importance of the practitioners as an observer who can sensitively make appropriate interventions. At the heart of this approach is the term ‘play with a purpose.’ This means that equipment and resources have specific learning objectives and provide those children with graduated challenge.
The influences on the EYFS curriculum from the approach are that practitioners need to observe children individually so they can provide for their play and learning. All practitioners need to ensure that children are sufficiently challenged to progress their learning and the EYFS guidance gives suggestions as to what children need according to their stage of development.

Steiner

This approach originated after philosopher Rudolph Steiner founded a school after the first world war. This approach has an emphasis on the importance of fostering children’s creativity, imagination, their understanding and exploration of the natural world and the practitioner as a role model. Key points of this approach are routine and adult directed and child initiated play. Formal reading and writing would not start until the child was 7 years old and an emphasis is put on working according to children’s personalities.
The influences on this approach on the EYFS curriculum are that practitioners should plan and adult directed play and also provide for child initiated play. Also that play with natural objects should be encouraged for babies and toddlers.

Common Core

Common Core is the name given to six areas of skills, knowledge and expertise that the English government sees as essential for all those working with children and young people.

This was established as part of a range of measures taken following the death of an 8 year old girl, whose death at the hands of her carers was seen as preventable. These areas are:
• Effective communication
• Child and young person development
• Safe guarding and promoting the welfare of the child
• Supporting transitions
• Multi-agency working
• Sharing information
These areas are the main focus of initial training. The introduction of this has encouraged greater multi-agency working and closer collaboration with other settings.

1.3 Explain why early years frameworks emphasise a personal and individual approach to learning and development

Early years frameworks have an emphasis on a personal approach to learning and development as due to socio-economic changes children are having to spend longer periods away from their carers and therefore need extra care to support their emotional well being. There is also an emphasis on the needs of individual children. This is because children all develop at different rates, are unique and come from a range of backgrounds. All of this means that they will have different needs and will be interested in different things so in order to thrive will need a range of different

opportunities.