At the heart of inspiring early years practice lies a deep understanding of how young children learn. Development Matters offers a rich framework, underpinned by the latest research, to support this understanding. It helps practitioners see the bigger picture of each child’s unique journey. It informs how we plan, observe and respond to children, ensuring that every decision is rooted in what we know about early child development.
In this blog, we explore how Development Matters, in the Early Years Foundation Stage, can transform classroom practice across early years settings.
To download Development Matters for free simply click on the following button to download the pdf:
Explore other EYFS frameworks and guidance resources here.
What is Development Matters?
Definition and Overview
Development Matters is a non-statutory guidance document within the EYFS framework, offering a clear and supportive approach to understanding early childhood development. It supports educators in creating a nurturing and effective learning environment where children can thrive and grow.
The document outlines seven key areas of learning essential for the development of an EYFS curriculum for young children. With its focus on observation and understanding, practitioners can thoughtfully plan experiences that respond to each child’s interests and unique journey.
Historical Context
The Development Matters framework has evolved over time. It was initially developed to support educators in delivering a comprehensive EYFS curriculum and, over the years, educator input and child development research have moulded its updates. The latest version continues this tradition, incorporating the most recent findings, with this evolution reflecting the increasing emphasis on research-driven, child-centred educational practices.
How can we use Development Matters in the EYFS?
Key Principles of Development Matters
Development Matters is guided by several key principles that shape high-quality early years practice. It emphasises the vital importance of placing the child at the centre of all learning, encouraging educators to truly know each child and build on their interests and strengths. Within the EYFS, Development Matters highlights the value of play-based learning, recognising it as an essential vehicle for exploration, creativity and deep engagement with the world around them.
Flexibility in curriculum design is another central principle, focusing on a holistic view of development, nurturing personal, social, emotional, physical and communication skills alongside early literacy and maths.
Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage
Within the Early Years Foundation Stage, Development Matters plays a pivotal role. It aligns closely with statutory EYFS requirements, ensuring a consistent and shared approach across all early years settings and supporting educators in planning learning journeys which build on children’s interests and developmental needs. The document supports the creation of engaging, purposeful experiences and encourages strong collaboration between educators, parents and professionals. Ensuring high-quality care and education remains its ultimate goal.
Supporting Educators in Implementing Development Matters
Implementing Development Matters in the EYFS involves weaving its principles into everyday practice to create rich, meaningful learning experiences for young children. It supports educators in confidently implementing the principles of Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage in their settings to shape environments that inspire curiosity, encourage exploration, and build strong foundations.
At Early Excellence we recognise the critical role our teams play in early child development and our dedicated training, resources and consultancy are designed to help settings bring the principles of Development Matters to life and to enable staff to confidently and creatively secure high-quality provision and impactful outcomes for every child.
Development Matters in Action
Curriculum and Development Matters
While Development Matters is not a curriculum, it provides vital guidance that supports educators in developing a rich and meaningful curriculum tailored to their children and community. The clear, flexible framework helps practitioners understand how young children learn and develop, allowing them to design experiences that nurture curiosity, independence and confidence. At Early Excellence, we enhance this approach through bespoke curriculum design workshops, leadership consultancy and practical training sessions that help teams to embed the guidance effectively and create inspiring, child-centred learning environments.
Continuous Provision and Development Matters
Continuous Provision plays a vital role in bringing Development Matters to life, offering children consistent opportunities to explore, investigate and deepen their learning through play. By carefully designing rich, engaging environments, practitioners can respond to children’s interests and developmental needs in a meaningful, flexible way. This approach supports all areas of learning, as well as the underpinning Characteristics of Effective Learning; nurturing independence, confidence and critical thinking skills.
Assessment Practices and Development Matters
Development Matters champions observation-led approaches. Rather than focusing on formal assessments, it encourages educators to notice children’s interactions, interests and progress over time. By valuing professional judgement and encouraging flexibility, Development Matters in the EYFS promotes a deep, holistic understanding of every child. At Early Excellence our values are rooted in principled assessment practices and centred around child development. The Early Excellence EExREC Baseline Assessment Tool enables practitioners to build a holistic picture of the children’s knowledge, skills and learning dispositions, identify their next steps and clearly understand strengths and development priorities at the start of the Reception Year.
Continuous Professional Development
Ongoing professional development is essential for effectively embedding Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage into daily practice. Regular training helps educators stay reflective, inspired and confident in their understanding of children’s learning and development. Discover our programme of webinars and bespoke INSET designed to upskill teams and help you stay connected to best practice in the Early Years and KS1.
How to Download Development Matters
To download Development Matters for free simply click on the following button to download the pdf:
Staying up to date with the latest policy and guidance is essential for ensuring high-quality, informed early years practice; you can explore key statutory and non-statutory resources, including links to the EYFS Statutory Framework and Birth to 5 Matters, on our Early Excellence, dedicated EYFS Policies and Frameworks page which supports practitioners in navigating current expectations and embedding best practice with confidence.
Find Out More
Invest in your professional development with this set of Continuous Provision Guides, packed with practical information to help you plan and resource your EYFS and KS1 learning environments.
Discover an overview of what Continuous Provision is all about, how it supports children’s learning, and guidance around how to plan each area of your classroom and outdoor area.
Discover the EExREC Baseline Assessment Tool to create an accurate picture of children’s start points and gather meaningful information to inform practice, provision and individual next steps.