Early Years Foundation Stage

Description

See a mixed range of opinions in the heated debate surrounding the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, dubbed a "baby curriculum" by the media.

Hear various perspectives from parents, childminders, private day-care nurseries and other settings across the country. This video was recorded in February 2007, just prior to the publication of the final version of the framework, which became mandatory from September 2008.

The EYFS framework has sparked a party political row about how far the government should prescribe and determine the educational goals of babies and toddlers. Children's minister Beverley Hughes argues that it's essential for all aspects of a child's education and welfare - from birth to the age of five - to be co-ordinated and unified in one document.

Her claim is dismissed by Conservative shadow education minister Nick Gibb who says the government's plans are "absurd" and will lead to "tick-box testing" of two-year-olds. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat MP Lorely Burt criticises the new framework for being "too prescriptive".

Part of the series: School Matters