Early Years Education Essay

The Government introduced free early years education to all children aged between three and four in 2005. Currently this entitlement is for 15 hours per week, over 38 weeks a year. In order to receive the funding, the early years education or childcare must be with a childcare provider that is approved. If parent/carers go over the allocation stated above then they are required to pay for additional hours. The Government fund early years education entitlement through local authorities. In some cases, children aged two are also entitled to free early years education for example, if a parent receives income support or a child has special educational needs.
By allowing every child aged three and four to have access to free early years education,
The provision of early years education in the UK is different depending on which country a child resides. These are summarised below:
England
In England the EYFS curriculum contains the EYFS Framework which states standards for development, learning and care for children when they are born until age five. EYFS curriculum is for children aged between three and five years in nurseries/pre school and reception classes.
Wales
Early Years Foundation Phase is for children aged between three and seven and therefore includes Key Stage 1 children as well as Early Years.
Scotland
Guidelines are different in Scotland as the curriculum is based on a document called Curriculum for Excellence which covers children aged 3 to 18 years. Emphasis is put on active learning and knowledge. Although early years and early primary (primary 1) are known as one level, they are split into two different stages within that level. Therefore, if children are not ready to move to primary 1 they will continue to be in the early years phase until they are ready to