sarah707
19-07-2013, 06:19 AM
Ofsted inspectors have received the following advice from Ofsted (07.2013) -
'Inspectors should be aware that ‘Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage’ has been produced as a supporting document for providers. It is not statutory. However, there is evidence that some practitioners are becoming over-reliant on the examples of practice in the document rather than identifying next steps for learning and devising activities and materials that are best suited to the particular needs of the children at their setting, in their care.
Inspectors should not refer to Development Matters in their evidence although they may wish to check development milestones to assess how children are progressing.
Inspectors may also wish to include some reference to developmental bands as part of their evidence of observations of tracked children.
However, recommendations must not be taken directly from the wording of Development Matters. Actions must be clearly linked to the Statutory Framework for the Early Years.'
Ofsted | Early years: June 2013 (http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/early-years-june-2013)
So if you get any unrealistic actions at the end of your inspection linked to Development Matters - challenge them!! :D
'Inspectors should be aware that ‘Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage’ has been produced as a supporting document for providers. It is not statutory. However, there is evidence that some practitioners are becoming over-reliant on the examples of practice in the document rather than identifying next steps for learning and devising activities and materials that are best suited to the particular needs of the children at their setting, in their care.
Inspectors should not refer to Development Matters in their evidence although they may wish to check development milestones to assess how children are progressing.
Inspectors may also wish to include some reference to developmental bands as part of their evidence of observations of tracked children.
However, recommendations must not be taken directly from the wording of Development Matters. Actions must be clearly linked to the Statutory Framework for the Early Years.'
Ofsted | Early years: June 2013 (http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/early-years-june-2013)
So if you get any unrealistic actions at the end of your inspection linked to Development Matters - challenge them!! :D