Positive relationships

The EYFS Tracking Lie: A Documentary

Find out why now is the time to say goodbye to tracking.
eyfs tracking lie
August 16, 2021
Reading time:
3
min.
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​​It was never meant to be like this. Some of the leading figures in early education reveal how a tracking culture grew that did more harm than good - and we ask whether now is the time to get out.

In this full twenty minute documentary, we take a look back across the history of child development in the UK and how things have gradually transitioned to the tracking culture we have today. We hear insights from 

  • Nancy Stewart, Former Project Lead, Birth-to-Five Matters | Author, Development Matters 2012
  • Dr Julian Grenier, Author of the new Development Matters
  • Dr Sue Allingham, Early Years Consultant
  • Ruth Pimentel, CEO, Kindred Nurseries
  • Phil Minns, Ofsted's Specialist Adviser for Early Years and Primary Education
  • Wendy Ratcliff, Ofsted Inspector


“Tracking has been a central approach in early years settings for some years, so many practitioners haven’t worked in any other way and may have taken for granted that it’s best practice. This engaging video helps to put it in perspective, and features voices from all quarters agreeing that detailed tracking wastes valuable time that would be better spent supporting children’s development and learning. Hopefully, it will help give practitioners confidence to let go of a familiar but less valuable way of working, ready to explore new approaches that will be better for both them and the children.”

Nancy Stewart, former Project Lead, Birth-to-Five Matters | Author, Development Matters 2012

The big ideas

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UK Nursery Covid-19 Response Group Recommendations

The full recommendations from a working group of over 70 nursery chains in the UK.

Please note: here at Famly we love sharing creative activities for you to try with the children at your setting, but you know them best. Take the time to consider adaptions you might need to make so these activities are accessible and developmentally appropriate for the children you work with. Just as you ordinarily would, conduct risk assessments for your children and your setting before undertaking new activities, and ensure you and your staff are following your own health and safety guidelines.

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