The Early Year Evidence Store (EYES) is an online resource which was developed by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). The EEF designed this to help support the work of the Stronger Practice Hubs (SPH).
The EYES is continuing to be developed so it is useful to keep visiting to see what is new!
The EYES showcase a summary of evidence informed approaches which can support practitioners to understand and reflect on their practice. These areas or themes are based around the aspects of learning which are known to be important for children’s recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are 6 themes available at present.
- Communication and Language.
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
- Early Literacy.
- Early Maths.
- Self-Regulation and Executive Function.
- Physical Development.
Each of the themes has a set of evidence informed practices supported by a list of practical approaches that be used as part of the delivery. These practices help explain how the approach can be implemented in an early years setting.
What is the most effective way to use the EYES?
The EYES homepage looks like this.
When you click on an approach you will find:
- a summary of the evidence.
- a ‘snapshot’ film showing the approach being used in a setting.
- a list of practices that may be also used to implement the approach.
- Short ‘spotlight’ videos and written scenarios to see certain aspects of the approach in action.
How to get started?
There is a lot of information on the EYES so it is best to choose one theme which will best support your practice.
You will be able to then see a summary of the evidence linked to that theme. Many of the approaches may seem familiar but it can be useful to familiarise yourself with any new evidence within the theme.
You may want to consider how to implement the approaches within your setting. The EEF guidance report ‘A schools Guide to Implementation’ is a useful resource to support this.
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/implementation
The ‘snapshot’ films can be used to support Professional Development (PD). The EEF Guide to Effective Professional Development will support best practice for this.
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years/professional-development-guide
Keep on visiting the EYES to find out what the latest best evidence informed practices!
I will be delivering a series of webinars in the new year focusing on each of the themes on the EYES.
Eileen Allpress
Research Lead East of England Stronger Practice Hub
Visit our Eventbrite page to book onto the informative webinars