EYFS 2021 is here – how are you assessing progress in Early Years?

All schools and early years providers must follow the new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS 2021) framework from September 2021.

Are you looking for early years assessment based on the 2021 EYFS and the new Development Matters? Our new Early Steps 2021 assessment framework covers both of these. Over 90 early years settings are already using this new framework and their feedback has been great.

Highlights:

  • New early years assessment framework now available based on the EYFS Framework 2021 and Development Matters 2020

  • Over 90 early years settings are already using this new framework and feedback has been great

  • The levels in Development Matters 2020 are very broad, making it hard to demonstrate the small steps of progress made by children with SEND who are working below the level of a 3 year old

  • B Squared’s Early Steps 2021 splits ‘birth to 3’ into 8 levels, to enable settings that have children with SEND to show their progress and help profile their needs

EYFS 2021 assessment

Early Years assessment challenges

Assessment in early years is based on observation. Our Connecting Steps software is great for recording the achievements of babies and children, covering the range from birth to the Exceeded Early Learning Goals (ELG) across all 7 areas. Breaking down the stages into smaller steps assists in the observation process. You can record what the child has achieved and identify the next step. Read more about Assessment in Early Years on our EYFS web page.

Over 90 Early Years settings are already using our new Early Steps 2021 with great feedback

“It’s easy to use and it is clear to track the progress of the children.”
Stephanie Thompson, Class Teacher, Great Arley School

“We’ve used Early Steps 2021 to help us identify where the different milestones within the revised Development Matters fall within the 0-3 years stage. Consequently, we have integrated the key steps from B Squared and those which feature in Development Matters, into our curriculum. We have now updated our curriculum ages and stages to reflect the B Squared levels. Having them broken down further also means we can illustrate progress for our pupils who are working at the lowest levels. I’m glad it came out early as we now feel prepared for September!”
Alexis Gardner, Assistant Headteacher, KTS Academy

“More Yr R and Yr 1 than ever this year will have ‘small steps’ assessment recommended by their Specialist Teachers.
@BSquaredLtd is one good option. Whatever you choose, get it in place now!”

Dominic Gunn, @EarlyYears_UK on Twitter

Our new levelling structure demonstrates the progress made by ALL children

The levelling structure of the new Development Matters document has been designed to reduce the burden on paperwork and assessment. It has only 3 levels: Birth to 3; 3 and 4 year olds, and Children in Reception.

These broad levels make it hard to demonstrate the small steps of progress made by children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities who are working below the level of a 3 year old. So, we have taken the decision to split the Birth to 3 into 8 levels, to enable settings that have children with SEND to show their progress and help profile their needs.

Early Steps 2021 has 4 levels between 0 and 12 months, each covering a developmental range of 3 months. There are also 4 levels between 12 months and 36 months, each covering a developmental range of 6 months. Take a look at our framework comparison chart to see what’s changed.

B Squared Sample Assessment Pages

How to order Early Steps 2021

If you already use our Connecting Steps assessment software, Early Steps 2021 can be purchased from £175 for a single user licence (covering 1 teacher and up to 30 pupils). First time customers can find full pricing information on our assessment software order form.

If your setting is already using Early Steps, simply email sales@bsquared.co.uk to request a quotation to upgrade to Early Steps 2021.

Book a FREE online meeting to find out more about Early Steps 2021 and how it can help you show progress for ALL children in Early Years

Book a FREE Online Meeting