Schools will have to complete EYFS profile in 2021, DfE confirms

Schools will still have to complete the early years foundation stage profile for pupils turning five this academic year, the government has confirmed.

The early years foundation stage profile process, which is how pupils’ development and learning is assessed in reception, did not go ahead earlier this year following the cancellation of all primary assessment.

But school staff were left in the dark when an announcement by the government earlier today on primary testing included no detail on whether the EYFSP would go ahead in 2021.

However, the government has subsequently published assessment and reporting arrangements for the process in 2021, confirming it will go ahead.

As in a normal year, schools and other early years providers “must complete the EYFS profile for each child who will be 5 years old on, or before, August 31 2021”, the guidance states.

The deadline for submission of data to local authorities next year is Friday June 25.

It comes as the DfE is preparing to implement its proposed reforms to the early years foundation stage, including changes to the early learning goals against which pupils are assessed.

The government also confirmed earlier this year that it was proceeding with a plan to scrap the requirement that local authorities moderate assessment in 25 per cent of settings in their areas.

The reforms are currently being trialed in “early adopter” schools, and will become statutory for all providers from next September.

However, the latest guidance includes a softening of the language on LA moderation for next year.

Whereas previous guidance documents stated that “at least 25 per cent of providers within an LA must receive a moderation visit each year”, the guidance for 2021 states that LAs should “aim to moderate” at least 25 per cent of providers not taking part in early adopter year.

“To avoid placing unnecessary burden on providers by moderating them in consecutive years, LAs should consider when the provider was last moderated and whether there are any concerns that should prompt another moderation visit,” the guidance states.

“This may mean that there are fewer providers for the LA to select from, potentially resulting in a ratio of less than 25 per cent.”