�°������ϲʹ�������

The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) has today announced that the early years foundation stage profile is to remain statutory for the academic year 2016/17.

 

It was due to become non-statutory from September 2016, but in a statement to reporters today, the STA said that “having carefully looked at the particular issues regarding the EYFSP and also in the context of the overall changes to primary assessment” it had now revoked the decision.

 

The STA said that keeping the profile statutory would provide continuity and stability for schools, pupils and parents and avoid unnecessary change while it reviews options for assessment in the reception year beyond 2016 to 2017.

 

Neil Leitch, chief executive at the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said that he welcomed the news, given the confusion over the status of the EYFS profile and its role in early assessment going forward.

 

“This announcement provides at least some clarity for practitioners and teachers preparing for the new term, although it is disappointing and frustrating that it has come in the middle of the summer holidays,” Neil said.

 

“We hope that the government will take this opportunity to reassess the value of the early years foundation stage profile, and the important role it plays in ensuring a broad, child-focused approach to early years assessment.”