Learning Improvement Service - Early Years Foundation Stage
The Early Years is a distinct stage which stretches from conception, through pregnancy and birth to 5 years. The earliest foundations for lifelong learning are set out in the first years of a child's life. A child's wellbeing, resilience and learning are affected by the quality of care, love, support and stimulation that they receive during these first years. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a framework that sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old - Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, pre-schools, nurseries, Children's Centres and all school nursery and reception classes.
A dedicated team of Early Years Advisers work in close partnership with all early years providers, alongside partners in the Learning Improvement Service, schools, the Early Years sector and Health. The team comprises the Strategic Service Lead, three Area Team Managers, Early Years Advisers/Area SENCOs, Early Years and Childcare Advisers, together with a Project Officer, Finance Officers and a Business Adviser.
The work of the Early Years team is underpinned by the Early Years Strategy which sets out the vision and principles for partnership working - Early Years Strategy (cumbria.gov.uk)
Our vision for Early Years in Cumbria is 'Big Change Really Does Start Small' to highlight why this is such an important period in a child's life:
- The early years represents one of the best investments we can make for the long-term health, wellbeing and happiness of our society Centre for Early Childhood
- Early childhood experiences literally build brains Nancy Stewart
- What happens early in life has an impact later in life and it should be the most exciting time of their lives, full of curiosity, awe, exploration and laughter Early Years Team Member
- The successes individuals achieve during their adult life can be predicted by the level of cognitive and noncognitive skills they possess on their first day of school Frank Field
- When you work with a child in the early years, you have the opportunity to help change the whole direction of their lives Early Years Nursery Manager
Useful links
www.gov.uk/early-years-foundation-stage
Strategic Lead Early Years
Katie Clarke
Katie.clarke@cumbria.gov.uk
Early Years and Childcare Team Managers
Allerdale and Copeland
Sue Segar
Susan.segar@cumbria.gov.uk
Barrow and South Lakeland
Amanda MacDonald
amanda.macdonald@cumbria.gov.uk
Carlisle and Eden
Ann Breeze
ann.breeze@cumbria.gov.uk
Early Years Project Officer
Joan Bradley
Joan.bradley@cumbria.gov.uk