Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Engagement Partner

The Early Years Foundation Stage Reform Implementation team from the Strategy, Quality and COVID-19 Response division, are seeking to continue their system of support to the Early Years (EY) sector. As EY policy continues to develop and the Early Years Education recovery programme is rolled out, there is a clear need from the sector for support from the department as we deliver our key objectives and support with implementing the reforms into their second year. Continuing to maintain consistent engagement is essential to ensure the reforms are implemented confidently and successfully. We know from sector feedback that for some the reforms have presented challenges, and it is vital that we still have a mechanism to engage with them, ensuring the aims of the reforms are realised. The Foundation Years website also enables us to share guidance, information, and effective practice on potential forthcoming changes under consultation, such as those on staff to child ratios, supervision requirements while children are eating and potential changes to provide increased support for childminders. We want to make sure that those helping to deliver the Department for Education policies are fully supported to do so with a long term, sustained commitment through an engagement contract. The EYFS engagement partner we are seeking, will provide continued essential support to the sector following the COVID-19 pandemic, and deliver relevant messaging and crucial information about the Early Years Education Recovery programme. As we now look to the future and recovery from COVID-19, it is more important than ever that we are able to continue to work with an engagement partner to support the sector by providing key information and timely communication regarding both EYFS policy / implementation and the COVID-19 recovery programme. We anticipate the contract will be for an initial period of 12-month with an option to extend for up to 6 months.