Nursery World - Editor's view - Keeping a high Profile

It is interesting to see that the arrival of the Early Years
Foundation Stage Profile results has been greeted with rather more
enthusiasm of late, now that the Baseline has begun for children at the
start of Reception.

The Profile arguably gives a more rounded picture of children's development. It also takes place at the end of the EYFS, marking a defined and vital stage of young children's education.

The Baseline, on the other hand, must take place within six weeks of children starting school, possibly the worst time to gain an accurate assessment of their development. Professor Cathy Nutbrown provides a compelling case against the Baseline in her column, opposite.

This is not to say that the Profile is without problems. More children are achieving the 'expected' level of development for their age. But are these expectations the right ones?

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