Development Matters (2 Year Check)
£2.50
Development Matters (2 Year Check) provides guidance for early years practitioners to support children’s learning and development. It outlines key areas of development, including communication, physical skills, and social growth. The document helps practitioners plan and assess activities that are age-appropriate and responsive to children’s needs. It focuses on fostering positive outcomes for children by promoting a balanced approach to learning. Development Matters supports practitioners in tracking children’s progress and identifying areas for improvement. It aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring a consistent, high-quality approach to early education. The guidance helps create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all children.
Understanding Development Matters (2 Year Check) in the Early Years
Development Matters (2 Year Check) offers clear guidance for early years practitioners to support children’s learning and development effectively.
This non-statutory framework complements the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory requirements.
It helps settings plan and review learning experiences based on each child’s unique developmental needs.
Why Development Matters
Development Matters encourages high-quality, child-centred practice that respects children’s interests, pace, and ways of learning.
The guidance supports a flexible approach to learning and development in the early years.
Practitioners use it to identify next steps and reflect on progress over time.
It promotes equality by focusing on each child’s strengths rather than fixed age expectations.
Three Prime Areas of Learning
Development Matters highlights the importance of communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, and physical development.
These three areas form the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Children need secure, nurturing relationships to thrive in these developmental areas.
Practitioners focus on building strong interactions and emotionally safe environments.
Four Specific Areas of Learning
The framework also covers literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design.
Each area supports broader skills like thinking, creativity, and curiosity.
Activities should link children’s interests to new learning opportunities through meaningful play and exploration.
Resources must reflect real-life experiences and diverse backgrounds.
Observation and Planning
Practitioners observe children regularly and use Development Matters to guide observations.
These observations shape future planning and inform how to extend learning naturally.
Children progress best when adults notice small changes and respond thoughtfully.
Planning stays flexible, allowing for spontaneous learning moments each day.
What to Look Out For
Check whether staff use to plan personalised activities.
Ask how they monitor and record children’s progress over time.
Observe if children stay engaged, happy, and confident in their environment.
Notice how practitioners support communication and emotional wellbeing every day.
Conclusion
Development Matters supports intentional, reflective teaching that nurtures every child’s learning journey.
When applied consistently, it builds strong foundations for school readiness and lifelong success.
Related products
-
Development Matters (Package)
£8.50 – £18.50Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
-
-
