The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development Requirements) Order 2007

Made: 20th June 2007

Laid before Parliament: 27th June 2007

Coming into force: 1st September 2008

In accordance with section 45(2) of the Childcare Act 2006 (“the Act”) the Secretary of State for Education and Skills has given notice of his proposal to make this Order.

And in accordance with section 45(3) of the Act the Secretary of State has considered the evidence and representations submitted to him in pursuance of section 45(2), and has published a draft of this Order and any associated documents and a summary of the views expressed to him.

Accordingly the Secretary of State, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 39(1)(a), 42(1) to (5) and 44(1) to (4) of the Act, makes the following Order:

Citation and commencement

1

This Order may be cited as the Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development Requirements) Order 2007 and comes into force on 1st September 2008.

Interpretation

2

In this Order—

• “the Act” means the Childcare Act 2006;

• “the childminder EYFS” means the document entitled “Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework for childminders” dated 14th July 2025 and published by the Secretary of State on the gov.uk website;

• “the Document” means in the case of—a person who is registered under section 37(1) or (2A) or section 37A(1) or (1A) of the Act as an early years childminder, the childminder EYFS; a person who—is registered as an early years provider other than a childminder under section 37(2) or 37A(2) of the Act; orwould be required by section 34(1) or (1A) of the Act to be registered to provide early years provision but for section 34(2) of the Act, the group and school-based provider EYFS;

• “the group and school-based provider EYFS” means the document entitled “Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework for group and school-based providers” dated 14th July 2025 and published by the Secretary of State on the gov.uk website;

• “reception baseline assessment” has the meaning given in Annex B to the group and school-based provider EYFS;

• “the relevant provisions of the Document” means the provisions in Sections 1 and 2 of the Document and in Annex B to the childminder EYFS that use the word “should”.

Specification of the learning and development requirements

3

• (1) It is directed that the provisions in Sections 1 and 2 of , and Annex B to, the Document that, by virtue of their use of the word “must”, express requirements, have effect for the purposes of specifying the learning and development requirements under section 39(1)(a) of the Act.

• (2) Early years providers to whom section 40 of the Act (duty to implement Early Years Foundation Stage) applies must have regard to the matters in Sections 1 and 2 of, and Annex B to, the Document that use the word “should” in securing that the early years provision they provide meets the learning and development requirements.

Further provisions about assessment arrangements

4

• (1) An English local authority must make provision to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the assessments made by early years providers in their area.

• (2) An English local authority must have regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State in exercising their function under paragraph (1).

• (3) An early years provider must permit any person authorised by an English local authority for the purposes of exercising their function under paragraph (1)—

• (a) to enter the premises on which the early years provision is provided; and

• (b) to observe the implementation of the assessment arrangements; ...

• (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Requirement on Chief Inspector

5

The Chief Inspector and early years childminder agencies must have regard to the learning and development requirements prescribed in Sections 1 and 2 of the Document and in Annex B to the childminder EYFS and matters in the relevant provisions of the Document in exercising ... functions under Part 3 of the Act.

Matters to be considered by the Chief Inspector

6

• (1) Any allegation that an early years provider has—

• (a) failed to meet the learning and development requirements prescribed in Sections 1 and 2 of the Document , or in Annex B to the childminder EYFS; or

• (b) failed to have regard to the matters in the relevant provisions of the Document

may be taken into account by the Chief Inspector in the exercise of ... functions under Part 3 of the Act.

• (2) Any allegation that an early years childminder agency has failed to meet the requirement in Article 5 may be taken into account by the Chief Inspector in the exercise of functions under Part 3 of the Act.

Proceedings under Part 3 of the Act

7

• (1) Any allegation that an early years provider has—

• (a) failed to meet the learning and development requirements prescribed in Sections 1 and 2 of the Document , or in Annex B to the childminder EYFS; or

• (b) failed to have regard to the matters in the relevant provisions of the Document

may be taken into account in any proceedings under Part 3 of the Act.

• (2) Any allegation that an early years childminder agency has failed to meet the requirement in Article 5 may be taken into account in any proceedings under Part 3 of the Act.

Signed

Beverley Hughes — Minister of State — 2007-06-20

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Order)

Footnotes

[^f00001]: 2006 c.21.

[^f00002]: ISBN 978-1-84478-921-4.

[^f00003]: The learning and development requirements cover six areas of learning; the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (“the Document”) specifies early learning goals and educational programmes in relation to each area and includes arrangements required for assessing children’s achievements in relation to the early learning goals (see section 41(1) to (3) of the Childcare Act 2006 (“the Act”)).

[^f00004]: For the definition of “early years provider” see section 96(3) of the Act.

[^f00005]: The arrangements required for assessing children’s achievements in relation to the early learning goals are set out in paragraphs 2.19 to 2.26 in Section 2 of the Document.

[^f00006]: The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority was established by section 21 of the Education Act 1997 (c. 44).

[^f00007]: See in particular paragraph 2.21 of Section 2 of the Document.

[^f00008]: For the definition of “the Chief Inspector” see section 98(1) of the Act, as amended by paragraph 117 of Schedule 14 to the Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40).

Editorial notes

[^c18762871]: 2006 c.21.

[^c18762891]: The learning and development requirements cover six areas of learning; the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (“the Document”) specifies early learning goals and educational programmes in relation to each area and includes arrangements required for assessing children's achievements in relation to the early learning goals (see section 41(1) to (3) of the Childcare Act 2006 (“the Act”)).

[^c18762901]: For the definition of “early years provider” see section 96(3) of the Act.

[^c18762941]: For the definition of “the Chief Inspector” see section 98(1) of the Act, as amended by paragraph 117 of Schedule 14 to the Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40).

[^key-0173df2881bc98bad8014bcfa4b80083]: Word in art. 6(1) omitted (1.9.2014) by virtue of The Childcare (Learning and Development Requirements and Exemptions from Registration) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/913), arts. 1, 5(2)

[^key-0fb03fb1f333bf54b4f02d60043d9791]: Art. 3C inserted (26.3.2021) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development Requirements) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/234), arts. 1, 2(3) (which amendment falls (4.1.2024) (4.1.2024) by virtue of the revocation of the affecting provision by S.I. 2023/1338, regs. 1(2), 5(c))

[^key-270335744bd38ea2186a232d243073cd]: Words in art. 2 inserted (1.9.2021) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Miscellaneous Amendments) and Childcare Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/432), regs. 1, 2(2)(b)

[^key-28d9a06567869d2c05642df1a78eaa95]: Words in art. 3(1) inserted (1.9.2021) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Miscellaneous Amendments) and Childcare Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/432), regs. 1, 2(3)(a)

[^key-2c484d9fe3993519944b7b04318fea00]: Word in art. 4(3)(a) inserted (1.9.2021) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Miscellaneous Amendments) and Childcare Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/432), regs. 1, 2(5)(a)

[^key-2d65bc7dc92c88225346c9a65f01b267]: Words in art. 3(2) substituted (1.9.2012) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development Requirements) (Amendment) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/937), arts. 1, 5

[^key-37235837d226be62bf722c3cf9a7944d]: Words in art. 4 substituted (1.9.2012) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development Requirements) (Amendment) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/937), arts. 1, 6

[^key-407865d4198addbbbca2d0679dead876]: Art. 7(2) inserted (1.9.2014) by The Childcare (Learning and Development Requirements and Exemptions from Registration) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/913), arts. 1, 7(2)

[^key-4acdbd5a27f1d46a8fa9d3bef122b834]: Art. 6A inserted (1.9.2014) by The Childcare (Learning and Development Requirements and Exemptions from Registration) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/913), arts. 1, 6

[^key-60aebf1632869317243453e76c23715a]: Words in art. 3(1) inserted (3.4.2017) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/361), regs. 1, 2(3)(a)

[^key-6673989e411bc599f62196d03b3e4fdc]: Art. 6C inserted (1.9.2021) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Miscellaneous Amendments) and Childcare Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/432), regs. 1, 2(6)

[^key-765fd551b83117d0e768797bc3d1b579]: Words in art. 3(2) substituted (1.9.2021) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Miscellaneous Amendments) and Childcare Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/432), regs. 1, 2(3)(b)

[^key-77ae59e237d859e767ac9e6a2899b4d2]: Words in art. 5 inserted (1.9.2014) by The Childcare (Learning and Development Requirements and Exemptions from Registration) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/913), arts. 1, 4(a)

[^key-89407e9514ff519251b25e27c060ac5a]: Art. 3A inserted (24.4.2020) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development and Welfare Requirements) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/444), regs. 1, 5 (which amendment falls (4.1.2024) by virtue of the revocation of the affecting provision by S.I. 2023/1338, regs. 1(2), 5(a))

[^key-916140517e6497415d1f0b02085576f0]: Words in art. 6(a) substituted (1.9.2012) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development Requirements) (Amendment) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/937), arts. 1, 4

[^key-9ca7760e356cb332d99c1f9c91b30596]: Words in art. 6(1)(b) substituted (3.4.2017) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/361), regs. 1, 2(5)

[^key-9edec606b247f651f5950b0fd8f42543]: Words in art. 2 inserted (3.4.2017) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/361), regs. 1, 2(2)(b)

[^key-9f05cd891e4035b853d324cb733884d8]: Art. 4(3)(c) omitted (1.9.2021) by virtue of The Early Years Foundation Stage (Miscellaneous Amendments) and Childcare Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/432), regs. 1, 2(5)(c)

[^key-ae83bb800a7c56d1e227b6d95dc1027a]: Art. 3D inserted (1.9.2021) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Miscellaneous Amendments) and Childcare Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/432), regs. 1, 2(4)

[^key-aeb38d3ac972c5cf15615bae3bff8be6]: Word in art. 5 omitted (1.9.2014) by virtue of The Childcare (Learning and Development Requirements and Exemptions from Registration) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/913), arts. 1, 4(b)

[^key-b498568eb585d85c12919553315260aa]: Words in art. 6(b) substituted (1.9.2012) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development Requirements) (Amendment) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/937), arts. 1, 5

[^key-be6f07c597f9cfd7c430485808fa71e8]: Art. 6B inserted (24.4.2020) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development and Welfare Requirements) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/444), regs. 1, 6 (which amendment falls (4.1.2024) by virtue of the revocation of the affecting provision by S.I. 2023/1338, regs. 1(2), 5(a))

[^key-c174975f336e86b3dbd57026d2ff4501]: Words in art. 7(a) substituted (1.9.2012) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development Requirements) (Amendment) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/937), arts. 1, 4

[^key-d1cc6b3e75d2f85af07cb3bc5baed23e]: Words in art. 5 substituted (3.4.2017) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/361), regs. 1, 2(4)

[^key-d67992f6ee695fd32212790fdd5cd9ec]: Words in art. 7(b) substituted (1.9.2012) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development Requirements) (Amendment) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/937), arts. 1, 5

[^key-d84cba8b06187a7102763dd3b7a24a13]: Words in art. 6A(b) substituted (3.4.2017) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/361), regs. 1, 2(6)

[^key-db8fd49c6204dafb85e4df61c2f36f99]: Words in art. 3(1) substituted (1.9.2012) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development Requirements) (Amendment) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/937), arts. 1, 4

[^key-dce178d570ff80fa77e5be31f76ac019]: Art. 4(4) omitted (1.9.2021) by virtue of The Early Years Foundation Stage (Miscellaneous Amendments) and Childcare Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/432), regs. 1, 2(5)(c)

[^key-e3eec6f78087fd88bbeca3f29d886b5b]: Art. 7(1): art. 7 renumbered as art. 7(1) (1.9.2014) by The Childcare (Learning and Development Requirements and Exemptions from Registration) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/913), arts. 1, 7(1)

[^key-e538523215af18f910f169728da079d2]: Words in art. 5 heading inserted (1.9.2014) by The Childcare (Learning and Development Requirements and Exemptions from Registration) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/913), arts. 1, 4(c)

[^key-efea48a42a8569f73a30d398ae5b6a2d]: Art. 8 inserted (3.4.2017) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/361), regs. 1, 2(8)

[^key-f38c2661b2cf0c404431a802bcfb6c7c]: Art. 6(1): art. 6 renumbered as art. 6(1) (1.9.2014) by The Childcare (Learning and Development Requirements and Exemptions from Registration) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/913), arts. 1, 5(1)

[^key-f43607661fd4b0a7df21458e5411aacd]: Words in art. 7(1)(b) substituted (3.4.2017) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/361), regs. 1, 2(7)

[^key-fc05caab50f2de0245c8754f582757da]: Word in art. 4(3)(b) omitted (1.9.2021) by virtue of The Early Years Foundation Stage (Miscellaneous Amendments) and Childcare Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/432), regs. 1, 2(5)(b)

[^key-fd00b75924d3310dd12c10b5c3430237]: Art. 6(2) inserted (1.9.2014) by The Childcare (Learning and Development Requirements and Exemptions from Registration) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/913), arts. 1, 5(3)

[^key-fdafba5336331d4638b40869add38b27]: Art. 3B inserted (temp. until 31.8.2021) (26.9.2020) by The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development and Welfare Requirements) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/939), regs. 1, 4(3) (with reg. 3(2)) (which amendment falls (4.1.2024) by virtue of the revocation of the affecting provision by S.I. 2023/1338, regs. 1(2), 5(b))

[^key-a6829ff96ed6ebfb6b2c2606beff0bb0]: Words in art. 2 substituted (1.11.2024) by The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1019), regs. 1(1), 2(2)

[^key-44e725f4ed590d0bb0efdec70432d877]: Words in art. 2 inserted (1.9.2025) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/841), regs. 1(1)(b), 3(2)(a)

[^key-408ef337ebe06c588c5e80dc2d29809e]: Words in art. 2 substituted (1.9.2025) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/841), regs. 1(1)(b), 3(2)(b)(i)

[^key-7e0715e6756d54442b4d08fc47dcc68c]: Words in art. 2 substituted (1.9.2025) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/841), regs. 1(1)(b), 3(2)(b)(ii)

[^key-572e8f6ff0b4b4d8bdd3d6b753b2df2c]: Words in art. 2 inserted (1.9.2025) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/841), regs. 1(1)(b), 3(2)(c)

[^key-9654d38f483f0446042ad0c5f7c51949]: Words in art. 2 substituted (1.9.2025) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/841), regs. 1(1)(b), 3(2)(d)

[^key-db46535e4255a240a9ebe89e1490f21d]: Words in art. 2 inserted (1.9.2025) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/841), regs. 1(1)(b), 3(2)(e)

[^key-494b0504e9d44a308b03af4b4bc762bd]: Words in art. 3D(3) inserted (1.9.2025) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/841), regs. 1(1)(b), 3(3)

[^key-5c4e51d717966cab6fc93131675cd041]: Words in art. 5 inserted (1.9.2025) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/841), regs. 1(1)(b), 3(4)

[^key-43098c280be1249884284d3b972908dd]: Words in art. 6(1)(a) inserted (1.9.2025) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/841), regs. 1(1)(b), 3(5)

[^key-13a3cf8e7e4d506921bdf431ac711eda]: Words in art. 6A(a) inserted (1.9.2025) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/841), regs. 1(1)(b), 3(6)

[^key-b0f11d2b92e5e46bfec8bb203016f2b7]: Words in art. 7(1)(a) inserted (1.9.2025) by The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/841), regs. 1(1)(b), 3(7)

Requirement on Chief Inspector and early years childminder agencies

Matters to be considered by early years childminder agencies

6A

Any allegation that an early years provider has—

• (a) failed to meet the learning and development requirements prescribed in Sections 1 and 2 of the Document , or in Annex B to the childminder EYFS; or

• (b) failed to have regard to the matters in the relevant provisions of the Document,

may be taken into account by an early years childminder agency in the exercise of functions under Part 3 of the Act.

Proceedings under Part 3 of the Act

Review

8

• (1) The Secretary of State must from time to time—

• (a) carry out a review of the regulatory provision in this Order,

• (b) publish a report setting out the conclusions of the review.

• (2) The first report must be published before 3rd April 2022.

• (3) Subsequent reports must be published at intervals not exceeding 5 years.

• (4) Section 30(4) of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 requires that a review carried out under this article must, in particular–

• (a) set out the objectives intended to be achieved by the regulatory provision referred to in paragraph 1(a),

• (b) assess the extent to which those objectives are achieved,

• (c) assess whether those objectives remain appropriate, and

• (d) if those objectives remain appropriate, assess the extent to which they could be achieved in another way which involves less onerous regulatory provision.

• (5) In this article, “regulatory provision” has the same meaning as in sections 28 to 32 of the Small Business Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (see section 32 of that Act).

Temporary modification of learning and development requirements in the Document

3A

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Further provisions about assessment arrangements

Requirement on Chief Inspector and early years childminder agencies

Matters to be considered by the Chief Inspector

Matters to be considered by early years childminder agencies

Matters to be considered by early years childminder agencies

6B

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Proceedings under Part 3 of the Act

Review

Further temporary modification of learning and development requirements in the Document

3B

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Further provisions about assessment arrangements

Requirement on Chief Inspector and early years childminder agencies

Matters to be considered by the Chief Inspector

Matters to be considered by early years childminder agencies

Proceedings under Part 3 of the Act

Review

3C

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Delegated supplementary provisions: reception baseline assessments

3D

• (1) The Secretary of State may make delegated supplementary provisions in relation to—

• (a) the monitoring of assessment arrangements for reception baseline assessments;

• (b) the assessment, recording and reporting of reception baseline assessments;

• (c) the time when, and the manner in which, reception baseline assessments are to be administered;

• (d) the investigation of the accuracy and correctness of the results of reception baseline assessments;

• (e) the annulment or amendment of the results of reception baseline assessments.

• (2) Before making, amending or revoking any delegated supplementary provisions the Secretary of State—

• (a) must consult the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation; and

• (b) may consult such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

• (3) The Secretary of State must publish any delegated supplementary provisions on the gov.uk website.

• (4) For the purposes of the exercise of the Secretary of State’s functions under this article, and under delegated supplementary provisions made under paragraph (1), an early years provider must permit any person authorised by the Secretary of State—

• (a) to enter the premises on which the early years provision is provided and, if different, the premises on which the reception baseline assessment is or was carried out;

• (b) to observe the implementation of the assessment arrangements in relation to a reception baseline assessment; and

• (c) to inspect, and take copies of, documents and other articles relating to reception baseline assessments.

Further provisions about assessment arrangements

Requirement on Chief Inspector and early years childminder agencies

Matters to be considered by the Chief Inspector

Matters to be considered by early years childminder agencies: effect of temporary closure directions

Investigation by the Secretary of State and amendment of reception baseline assessment results

6C

• (1) If a matter is brought to the Secretary of State’s attention which, in the Secretary of State’s opinion, relates to the accuracy or correctness of a reception baseline assessment, the Secretary of State must investigate the matter in accordance with any delegated supplementary provisions made under article 3D(1).

• (2) Following an investigation under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State—

• (a) must notify the early years provider concerned of the outcome of the investigation and describe any action taken, or further action to be taken, by the provider or the Secretary of State;

• (b) must provide reasons to the provider concerned for the action taken or to be taken;

• (c) may amend or annul the result of a reception baseline assessment, or any part of a reception baseline assessment, in respect of an individual child or a group of children;

• (d) may continue to monitor the carrying out of reception baseline assessments by the provider.

Proceedings under Part 3 of the Act

Review