In this guide we’re going to show you how to enable and use the EYFS framework on Tapestry.
The EYFS framework is what we call a “flag set” on Tapestry: Flags are a quick and easy way to label the posts (observations etc) you create on your account. For example, if you observe a child doing a maths activity, you could add the “Mathematics” flag from the EYFS flag set. Doing this means you can easily find all the observations for specific areas of learning thus streamlining your planning, monitoring and assessment.
Secondly, the flags within the EYFS flag set are the seven areas of learning, taken directly from the most recent Development Matters guidance. These are: Communication & Language; Personal, Social & Emotional Development; Physical Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Expressive Arts and Design.
Please note: these are not the same as the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) which have their own assessment framework and flag set on Tapestry.
Lastly, if you wish to refine your observations further you can enable ‘aspects’ within the 7 areas of learning for the EYFS flag set. These aspects are taken from the Birth to 5 Matters document and can be switched on by going to Configuration > Flags > EYFS Configure > “Include Birth to 5 Matters aspects”
Enabling the EYFS flag set
If the EYFS framework isn’t enabled on your account yet, you can enable it by clicking Configuration > Flags > EYFS > “Configure”.
Within the pop-up box, you can choose to enable the EYFS flag set on Observations and/or Reflections. You can also enable it for relatives which you should only do if you want relatives to see the EYFS flags which you add to children’s observations.
The last option is the “Include Birth to 5 Matters aspects” mentioned at the start of this guide.
When you have selected the options you want, just click “Save” and the EYFS flag set will now be enabled on your account.
Using the EYFS framework
Now you have the flag set enabled, you can’t start adding flags to your observations/reflections.
To add EYFS flags to an observation, start by creating a new observation. Just click the “+Add Observation” button on the main threads screen.
From the new observation screen, click the “Add Flags” button near the bottom.
The flag sets you have enabled on your account will then open in a pop-up. Simply select the flag you want included on the observation by clicking the little circle next to it.
To see the any flags nested within another flag, just click the arrow icon.
When you have chosen all the flags you want to include on this observation, click “Done”.
You will then be taken back to your observation where you can see the new flags you have just added.
Reference Material
The last thing to cover is the “Reference Material” section.
This is a collection of guidance documents that practitioners can reference for support when making observations. This section includes material from Development Matters, the ELGs, and various other sources.
You can access it from the Add Flags screen by clicking “Reference Material”.
The Reference Material section will open in a separate tab. The materials are organised into “Statements” and “Resources” and then split further into topic/subject.
Simply select any that are relevant if you feel you need some extra support / guidance in a certain area.
You can access these materials at any time from the Add Flags screen.
And that’s how you enable and use the EYFS framework on Tapestry and how to access the Reference Material section.