EYFS Development Matters. 

This guidance shows how the four themes of the EYFS Framework and the principles that inform them work together to support babies and children. The Unique Child develops and learns through interaction in Positive Relationships and Enabling Environments.  It illustrates how the Characteristics of Effective Early Learning may be supported and extended by adults as well as how they underpin the Prime and Specific Areas of Learning and Development.   We will use the Development Matters as part of our daily observation, assessment and planning. It can also be used at points during the EYFS as a guide to making best-fit summative judgements, with parents and colleagues across agencies, about whether a child is showing typical development, may be at risk of delay or is ahead for their age.   They overlap because these are not fixed age boundaries but suggest a typical range of development. When we use Development Matters it is however important to remember that babies and young children develop at their own rates and in their own ways. The development statements and their order are not necessary steps for every child and will not be used as checklists.