Development Matters Statements Ages and Stages New 2021

Development Matters Statements Ages and Stages

This is Development Matters Statements split by ages then by Area of learning and is six pages long. This is non-statutory guidance used in England to support early years educators in understanding and tracking children’s development from birth to age 5, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

These are broad age bands with developmental statements that describe typical learning and development in each area of the EYFS. They’re grouped into age ranges (often called “ages and stages”), such as:

  • Birth to 3 years

  • 3 and 4 years

  • Reception (4–5 years)

Key Areas of Learning Covered

Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)

Communication and Language

Physical Development

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding the World

Expressive Arts and Design

Each area includes example statements of what children might typically be doing within that age range.

Why It’s Helpful

Supports Observation and Assessment

  • Gives practitioners reference points to notice progress or areas needing support.

  • Encourages reflective, informed planning rather than “box-ticking.”

Helps Identify Emerging or Delayed Development

  • If a child is significantly behind or ahead of expected stages, this can prompt early intervention or additional support.

Guides Planning and Next Steps

  • Helps educators create meaningful, age-appropriate experiences that stretch children’s learning and curiosity.

Facilitates Communication

  • Useful when discussing development with parents, other staff, or external professionals (e.g., SENCOs, speech therapists).

Important to Note

  • It is not a checklist – it’s not about ticking off milestones.

  • Children develop at different rates – the ages are overlapping and flexible.

  • The focus is on holistic, child-centred development, not pushing children to meet fixed targets.

All our planning has been carefully created by experienced qualified primary school teachers with QTS therefore you can be sure that your planning will achieve your outcomes and aims.

Reviews

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Y
05/31/2022
Yasmine
United Kingdom

Beautiful

These are beautifully made and really useful for extending my more able.

EB
05/28/2022
Emma B.
United Kingdom

Amazing

This training was fantastic. Really made me think and reflect on ways to improve. Just brilliantly honest and straight to the point.

CK
05/19/2022
Charlotte K.
United Kingdom

Phonics Phase 1 planning

This is great we have printed it out and we use daily for the Nursery children for a short Phonics activity. It has saved me loads of time and is really well thought out and each activity is clearly explained so the staff know what to do. Each time they teach Phonics they are becoming more confident with presenting.

MG
05/08/2022
Miss G.
United Kingdom

Great Help

This is so helpful to give to parents. A great help. Thanks

M
05/01/2022
Mary
United Kingdom

Wow wow wow

This is so amazing thank you so much for making plans appropriate for Early Years!

J
03/14/2022
jane
United Kingdom

Great understanding of phonics

Very please with my purchase, brilliant phonics activities.

AC
02/28/2022
Alice C.
Canada

Sample

Hi I am interested in purchasing just this resource, however, I cannot read the sample page very well. Is it possible to see a clearer picture of the sample page to help me determine whether I want to purchase a membership?

A
01/03/2022
amy
United Kingdom

A Great Help - Thanks.

Really helpful planning - good ideas.

J
11/23/2021
Jill.R
United Kingdom

Helpful Phonics

Great Book, really helpful phonics planning. Would definitely recommend when teaching phonics to children.

MC
09/20/2021
Mrs C.
United Kingdom

Phonics 1 book

Highly recommend this informative phonics book. Everything you need to know about phase 1 and explained in good detail.

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