The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the bedrock of early education in the UK. It provides the framework that helps children develop key skills and knowledge from birth to five that will support them throughout their lives. Within this framework, EYFS Development Matters serves as a non-statutory guidance document. It is designed to help practitioners understand child development and support learning in a flexible, responsive, and child-centred way. But what does this really mean for professionals working in early years settings? How can Development Matters shape day-to-day practice? More importantly, how can practitioners use it to ensure children get the best possible start in life? What is EYFS Development Matters? The EYFS Development Matters is neither a checklist nor a rigid assessment tool. Instead,