Clause 152
3:30 pm
Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat)
I probably should have asked this question when we discussed an earlier clause, but I was distracted by this morning’s excitement. I do not really know what early years foundation stage assessment arrangements are, but it would be alarming for formal assessment to be put in statute as far as that stage is concerned. Will the Minister offer reassurance that there is not going to be even more prescriptiveness and targets introduced to the early years foundation stage?
Sarah McCarthy-Fry (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Schools and Learners), Department for Children, Schools and Families; Portsmouth North, Labour)
The early years foundation stage is a play-based early learning framework designed to help teachers and professionals in all schools, nurseries, out-of-school clubs and child-minding provision, working with children from birth to five to give them the best possible start. There are no formal courses or lessons or any prescription in terms of what providers do in their day-to-day practice. The Secretary of State sets arrangements for assessment of the early learning goals, and Ofqual will have a statutory duty to monitor and report on whatever arrangements are made by the Government for assessing the early years foundation stage.
Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat)
I thank the Minister for that reply, but I am still not entirely clear. The provisions seem to be an “Open Sesame” to turn what are currently just aspirational goals into statutory goals. I would like more clarification, by letter if necessary.
Sarah McCarthy-Fry (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Schools and Learners), Department for Children, Schools and Families; Portsmouth North, Labour)
I will write to the hon. Lady about the possible processes for the assessment of early years foundations stage.
Nick Gibb (Shadow Minister, Children, Schools and Families; Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Conservative)
Will the Minister confirm that all early years settings are required to complete early years foundation stage profiles, and that the concerns voiced by the hon. Member for Mid-Dorset and North Poole are therefore justified?
Sarah McCarthy-Fry (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Schools and Learners), Department for Children, Schools and Families; Portsmouth North, Labour)
There is nothing new in the clause as the issue is covered by the 2006 Act. I will, however, write to the hon. Lady to clarify.