I have already written a blog about the main changes and planned a free Childcare.co.uk webinar.
In this blog I am sharing my letter to parents which aims to update them with the latest information and links:
11th December 2023.
Dear parents,
The EYFS for childminders is changing from next year.
The Department for Education is updating our statutory framework, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), in January 2024.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2
We are required by the EYFS to inform you about how we use the EYFS and keep you updated about changes, as part of partnership working.
The main changes to the EYFS in January 2024, which I will be updating in my documentation, include:
**I will remove old versions of the EYFS and replace them with the childminder specific EYFS 2024. Please ask me if you would like me to send you a copy of the revised EYFS framework.
**There is reference in the EYFS 2024 to supporting children's brain development. I have already completed DfE training on this and will share more with you over the coming months.
**I will update my English as an additional language (EAL) progress trackers to reflect the changes to requirements – instead of saying I ‘must’ use your child’s home language, the EYFS now says that I ‘may’ use your child’s language. We will talk about this more if it is relevant to you.
**The assessment requirements have changed to say that I no longer need to evidence your child’s progress – apart from completing the progress check at 2 which remains statutory. I will review my assessment record keeping and keep you updated about any changes I make.
**I will update the mobile phone and camera policy to include ‘other electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities’ and share a copy with you.
**I will update the safeguarding policy, including designated safeguarding lead (DSL) information (if I work with another childminder) to state that we are equally responsible for keeping children safe. As part of this change, I will also update the whistleblowing policy to make it clear that ‘each childminder has responsibility to refer any concerns where another childminder does not continually meet the requirements of their registration’ and share a copy with you.
**From Jan 2024, assistants will be legally allowed to be a child’s key person. I do / do not have staff and have / have not updated staff induction and ongoing training to include key person training. If this change affects your child, I will keep you updated.
**The EYFS now allows me to use my kitchen as floor space. I do not intend making this change at the moment, but if I reconsider, I will review my floor space measurements and complete a kitchen risk assessment.
**I no longer have to display information on a noticeboard, but I must still share it with you. For this reason, I will remove my parent noticeboard and send you updated electronic copies of my safeguarding and complaints policies on request. I will also make my Ofsted registration certificate, Ofsted parent poster (updated 11.2023), paediatric first aid certificate available for you to review at any mutually convenient time.
I will continue to keep you updated as changes happen. If you have any questions, please ask.
Thank you, Sarah and Nige