EYPDP Learning Manager joins DfE’s regional Curriculum and Assessment Review

Last month, the Early Years Professional Development Programme’s (EYPDP) Learning Manager, Laura Fox, attended the Department for Education’s (DfE) Curriculum and Assessment Review, joining over 100 education stakeholders from across the East Midlands region. The event gathered representatives from education charities, training providers, exam boards and local schools and trusts to discuss the future of the curriculum and assessment in England. 

The session opened with an address by Becky Francis, CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), who introduced the third Curriculum and Assessment Review. Becky emphasized the review’s approach to seek evolution, not revolution, and to focus on solutions that enhance rather than destabilise the education system. Francis laid out core guiding principles, including a commitment to avoiding unnecessary trade-offs and keeping the reforms cost-effective and manageable for stakeholders. 

The event centred on six key themes, each explored through facilitated table discussions: 

1. Inclusion and social justice – Addressing barriers within the current curriculum and assessment systems. 

2. Ensuring a strong foundation in English and Maths – Reviewing core curriculum and qualification approaches in these subjects. 

3. Curriculum content beyond core subjects – Examining the broader curriculum beyond English and maths. 

4. A broad and balanced curriculum – Ensuring access to a diverse range of subjects, including the arts and creative disciplines. 

5. Assessment Systems – Assessing the current systems and identifying potential areas for improvement. 

6. 16-19 Education Pathways – Evaluating options and opportunities for learners aged 16 and up. 

Each discussion focused on identifying both the successes and challenges of the current system, and attendees were encouraged to make recommendations for the review team. 

Early Years 

Whilst the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) was beyond the formal scope of this review, the importance of early learning stages was a recurring theme. Emphasis was placed on the crucial role that early childhood education plays in preparing children for Key Stage 2 and beyond. Attendees at the event agreed on the importance of high-quality transition support from early years settings into primary education, recognising that strong early years foundations are essential for long-term learning and development. 

Reflecting on the event, Laura said, “Although the review mainly focuses on later stages of education, it was good to see recognition of the foundational role early years plays in setting children up for success in school and beyond. Ensuring smooth transitions and continued support from the early years through primary education is crucial, as these early stages have some of the greatest long-term impacts on development and learning.”