Ofqual and Early Years
Last updated on: 08/01/2010
What are Ofqual's responsibilities with regard to Early Years?
Ofqual has a responsibility for assessment during the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYSF) for children from birth to five. Ofqual has an obligation to ‘keep under review all aspects’ of assessment arrangements used in the EYFS and to inform the Secretary of State ‘if there are likely to be significant failings’ in these assessments. EYFS assessment is largely carried out by practitioners and teachers, with no formal tests.
Ofqual must also promote the development and implementation of assessment arrangements which give a reliable indication of achievement and indicate a consistent level of attainment. Therefore, the assessment arrangements Ofqual promotes must be useful and meaningful to teachers, practitioners, parents, carers and anyone with an interest in the development of the learner.
Ofqual must also give guidance to responsible bodies on how they perform their functions in relation to the assessment arrangements. For this to happen, Ofqual must have robust evidence-gathering a feedback mechanisms in place.
How does Ofqual keep EYFS assessment arrangements under review?
This responsibility is new for Ofqual. To help ensure assessments and the feedback process is as valuable as possible, Ofqual is currently looking at the best way to approach regulation of the EYFS.
How will Ofqual determine the best way to keep the arrangements under review?
Ofqual is currently meeting with assessment and Early Years experts to determine exactly how the review of assessments should be approached. The first Ofqual Early Childhood National Conference was held on 10 November 2009, to which early years specialists and regulation experts from other countries were invited.
The conference had two objectives:
- To explore the Early Years assessment arrangements in England, Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- To develop an understanding of good regulatory practice in terms of validity, reliability, comparability, minimising bias and manageability A report was produced detailing the discussions which took place during the day. Download the report.
Ofqual has also set up an Early Years advisory group, made up of experts in the field, to advise on policy. Additionally a network of schools around the country have been invited to become Ofqual retainer Settings. These can be visited by Ofqual to help gain a first-hand insight into how assessment works on a day-to-day basis.
The first visits will take place in February to:
- Leedon Lower School, Bedfordshire
- Oakwood Primary School, Leeds
- Iverna Gardens Montessori, London Kensington
- Jane Lane School, Walsall
- Wingate Community Nursery School, Durham
- Rocking Horse Day Nursery, Northamptonshire
- Longford Park Primary School, Coventry
- Garswood Primary School, St. Helens
- Clackclose Primary School, Downham Market
- Geoffrey Field Infant School, Reading
- Shiphay School and Nursery, Torquay
For more information contact cheryl.freeman@ofqual.gov.uk