EYFS Profile Assessment Support Sessions

Dear Headteacher,

We are writing to draw your attention to the DfE’s new national EYFS Profile Assessment Support Offer and to encourage all schools with Reception pupils to ensure that appropriate staff access this support.

The programme has been introduced to strengthen the accuracy and consistency of EYFS Profile judgements. It is designed to support practitioners and leaders in understanding the statutory assessment requirements, addressing common misconceptions, and ensuring that EYFS Profile outcomes are as reliable and robust as possible.

Oxfordshire’s Early Years Team of Advisory Teachers will be delivering the assessment support sessions face-to-face across the county. These sessions will provide an opportunity for Reception teachers and leaders to reflect on assessment practice, consider national guidance, and strengthen confidence in making accurate end-of-year EYFS Profile judgements.

Although the delivery of this support offer is not presented as a statutory duty for local authorities, the DfE has clearly established an expectation that schools engage with the programme. The sessions are intended to support schools in meeting their statutory responsibilities in relation to the EYFS Profile.

We would therefore ask you to ensure that your Reception teacher, EYFS lead and/or relevant senior leader attends one of the available sessions. This will be particularly important in supporting accurate assessment, moderation, transition into Year 1, and the reliability of school and local authority data.

Booking information and session dates have been shared through Oxfordshire Education Services. Please do encourage the relevant member of staff in your school to book as soon as possible.

Thank you for your support in ensuring strong engagement with this important national programme.

Best wishes,

Lisa Lyons and Laurie Baker