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Statutory assessment in the EYFS

There are three statutory assessment points for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS):

  1. The integrated review (progress check at age 2)
  2. Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) measures starting points at the beginning of reception.
  3. The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile assesses overall development at the end of Reception, helping to ensure children are ready for Year 1.

Assessment at the end of the EYFS - Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP)

What is it?

At the end of the EYFS each child's level of development is assessed against 17 early learning goals (ELGs) across all 7 areas of learning in the EYFS:

  • Communication and language
  • Personal, social and emotional development
  • Physical development
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the world
  • Expressive arts and design

When does it take place?

  • In the final term of the school year in which the child reaches age five
  • No later than 30 June of that term

Who carries out the assessment?

The assessment is usually carried out by Reception teachers, although in rare cases it may be conducted in other early years settings.

What happens to the assessments?

  • The main purpose of the EYFS profile assessment is to support a successful transition from the EYFS to Year 1. At the end of Reception year, teachers must provide Year 1 teachers with a copy of each child's EYFS profile. This includes a record of the child's outcomes against the 17 ELGs, indicating whether the child is meeting 'expected' levels or not yet reaching expected levels ('emerging'). Teachers may also include a brief commentary on how the child demonstrates the three characteristics of effective learning.
  • At the end of the EYFS, teachers must provide parents and/or carers with a written report summarising their child's EYFS Profile results and offer them the opportunity to discuss the assessment.
  • Early years providers must report EYFS Profile results to local authorities, upon request.
  • Local authorities have a duty to submit this data to the relevant government department.

How are the assessments quality assured?

Anyone responsible for assessing, reporting or moderating the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile should use the latest EYFS Profile handbook. This handbook provides guidance to help professionals complete and moderate assessments, ensuring that outcomes are accurate and consistent across all early years' settings.

Moderation of EYFS profile assessments should be a collaborative process among colleagues. This not only supports the quality assurance of teacher assessment judgements but also offers valuable opportunities for professional development.

In addition, the council provides a range of sessions to support with the completion of the EYFS profile. These sessions cover the statutory requirements of the profile and highlight key aspects of the latest EYFSP handbook. They also provide teachers with opportunities to engage in professional dialogue and moderation conversations, helping to build confidence in making accurate end-of-year assessment judgements.

Visit our School Collection Eventbrite page to find and register for upcoming moderation meetings.

Further information

Key resources and guidance documents to support you with the Early Years Foundation Stage and EYFS Profile assessments.