A checklist based on Ofsted's research report, 'Strong foundations in the first years of school' (published 8 October 2024), for reviewing your early years provision.
This checklist guides you through key areas identified in Ofsted's report, helping you to:
- Develop a clear curriculum: Prioritise communication and language, emphasise essential knowledge and skills, and ensure your curriculum is developmentally appropriate with a focus on learning, not just activities.
- Implement appropriate pedagogy: Provide ample practice opportunities, break down tasks, establish effective routines, ensure equitable instruction, and optimise play-based learning.
- Conduct effective assessment: Train staff to address misconceptions, prioritise understanding over coverage, reconsider test-driven practices, review Reception assessment practices, and share targeted information at transition points.
- Nurture personal development, behaviour, and attitudes: Explicitly teach social and emotional skills, and set realistic expectations while providing support.
This easy-to-use checklist will help you:
- Identify areas of strength and areas for improvement within your Early Years provision.
- Implement practical strategies to enhance teaching and learning.
- Review your provision against the findings of Ofsted's report.
Part of the HeadteacherChat community library. Members get this resource, the full topic pack it belongs to and every update when guidance changes, alongside live sessions and more than 1,400 fellow school leaders. Join the community.
