You will find links to the Department for Education (DfE) offer, alongside useful resources, research, and CPD designed to support strong practice and positive outcomes for children.
Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework – GOV.UK
Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA): Assessment and Reporting Arrangements 2026
This statutory guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) sets out the requirements for administering the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) in the 2026–2027 academic year. It provides essential information for schools on assessment processes, timelines, responsibilities, and reporting arrangements.
Help for early years providers : EYFS profile assessment support
This Department for Education resource provides guidance and practical support for practitioners completing the EYFS Profile at the end of Reception. It brings together official guidance, short training videos, and real-life case studies to support accurate and consistent assessment.
RISE Reception Quality Webinar Series | Eventbrite
This series of free webinars, developed by the Department for Education (DfE) as part of the RISE programme, is designed to support schools in strengthening the quality of provision in Reception. The sessions focus on key aspects of effective early years practice, including leadership, assessment, language development, early writing, maths and attendance. The webinars aim to help school leaders and practitioners improve outcomes for children—particularly increasing the number who reach a Good Level of Development (GLD) by the end of Reception.
Excellence in reception teaching course: register your interest
The department has published details about the new Excellence in reception teaching course. The course forms part of the department’s wider evidence-based ‘golden thread’ of teacher continuing professional development. This begins with the initial teacher training core content framework (ITTECF), through to national professional qualifications (NPQ) for more experienced education professionals. The course is for current or aspiring reception teachers who want to strengthen their reception practice. Participants will deepen their understanding of the key areas of child development through practical, evidence‑based approaches, supporting more children to achieve a good level of development.
Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI)
The NELI programme is a DfE‑funded intervention designed to support children in Reception with their language development, particularly vocabulary, listening and storytelling skills. It includes training for staff and structured small‑group sessions, helping to identify and close gaps in children’s oral language, with evidence showing significant impact on progress.
Early years child development training
This free online training, developed by the Department for Education, aims to build and strengthen practitioners’ understanding of child development from birth to age 5. It includes a series of expert-written modules covering key areas such as language, physical development, curriculum and assessment, providing practical strategies that can be applied directly within early years settings.
