The difference between EYFS development Matters and Early Years Outcomes

Both the EYFS development matters and early years outcomes are important in supporting a child’s development; but what is the difference?

In 2008 Department of Education released the Early Years Foundation Stage EYFS Development Matters document. This non-statutory guidance supported practitioners in the implementation of the statutory requirements of learning and development under the EYFS framework. The EYFS Development Matters are underpinned by four themes; A Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments and Learning and Development.

The Development Matters document was then replaced in 2013 by the Early Years Outcomes. Another non-statutory guide in supporting practitioners; however its sole focus being the outcomes and Early Learning Goals for each area of development. This document set the outcomes for children out in a clear and easy to read format, enabling practitioners to use this as a quick and easy reference while observing and planning for the children. These can be created as a handy reference tool for practitioners to access.

Positive relationships and Enabling environments

The Early Years Outcomes document supports practitioners in making best-fit judgements about a child’s typical development while recognising that development is also individual to the child and all children learn at different rates. However the document fails to mention two of the four themes recognised in the EYFS development matters document; positive relationships and enabling environments.

The positive relationships section within the EYFS Development Matters highlights the importance and the role of the adult in a child’s learning; this provides key ideas for practitioners in supporting a child. The enabling environments column supports practitioners in providing a positive and rich learning environment for the children to extend learning opportunities and suggests next steps for development. Both themes are important in extending a child’s development and supporting settings to implement a good standard of learning opportunities.

Characteristics of Effective Learning

Another area missing from the Early Years Outcomes document are the Characteristics of Effective Learning.  The three characteristics are playing and exploring, active learning, creating and thinking critically. These characteristics support practitioners in understanding and planning for a child’s individual learning style. Practitioners can continue to use the EYFS development matters to support a child’s development and ensure the characteristics of effective learning are promoted.

The Early Years Outcomes document is referred to by Ofsted to evaluate a settings understanding of learning outcomes for the children and to ensure these are evidenced appropriately through an effective assessment process. It is a good idea for settings to use both the EYFS Development Matters and the Early Years Outcomes documents alongside one another, to fully promote and support children’s learning and development.