If you are the parent/carer of a toddler aged between 2 and 3 years old, you may have heard about the ‘EYFS Progress Check at Age 2’ at your child’s childcare — but what is it, and why is it important?

What is the EYFS Progress Check at Age 2?

The EYFS Progress Check at Age 2 is part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which guides the learning, development, and care of children from birth to age five in England. This check is a short summary of your child’s development in key areas and usually takes place when your child is between 24 and 36 months old.

There are only two checks in the EYFS – the EYFS Progress Check at Age 2 and Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) which is completed at the end of the Reception Year in school, ready for Year 1. Both are the only statutory checks in the EYFS.

What Areas Does the Progress Check at Age 2 Cover?

The check focuses on three Prime Areas of Learning:

Communication and Language – How your child listens, understands, and communicates with others.

Physical Development – Your child’s movement, coordination, and self-care skills.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development – How your child engages and interacts with others such as their peers, manages their emotions, and develops confidence.

These areas are considered essential building blocks for future learning.

Who Carries Out the Check?

The check is usually completed by your child’s key person at their nursery, preschool, or Childminder setting. This is someone who knows your child well and sees them regularly in a learning environment.

What Happens During the Check?

The process is informal and based on ongoing observations of your child in play and interaction. There’s no test or assessment your child must “pass.”

The key person will:

• Note your child’s strengths and interests
• Identify any areas where extra support might be needed
• Share the summary with you and encourage your input

You’ll usually receive a written summary that you can keep and share with your child’s health visitor or doctor if needed.

Why is the Progress Check Important?

• It helps ensure early support is put in place if your child needs help in any area.
• It gives a clear picture of your child’s developmental milestones.
• It creates an opportunity for partnership between parents and childcare professionals.
• It can be shared with other professionals, such as health visitors, especially during the Healthy Child Programme review at age 2–2½.

How Can You Get Involved?

Talk to your child’s key person: Share any observations or concerns from home.

Ask questions: The check is a chance to better understand how your child is doing.

Celebrate progress: It’s also a lovely opportunity to reflect on how much your little one has grown.

How does Huggie Bears Family Childcare complete children’s EYFS Progress Check at Age 2?

At Huggie Bears Family Childcare we have over ten years’ experience of writing these important reports since their foundation in 2012.

We work in partnership with parents in the lead up to their child’s second birthday and provide information on what is involved. The report is written in conjunction with parents, and a progress meeting is held to discuss the report. A copy of the report is then prepared for the Health Visitor to take along a copy their child’s ‘Healthy Child Check at Age 2’ appointment.

At Huggie Bears Family Childcare there is lots of information and resource links provided for parents to continue to support their child’s learning and development at home. For example, to support with toilet training and children’s early communication and language development.

Final Thoughts

The EYFS Progress Check at age 2 is all about supporting your child’s development and well-being. It’s a collaborative process that helps give your child the best possible start in life. If you have any questions or would like more information, don’t hesitate to speak to us at Huggie Bears Family Childcare — we are here to help!

Additional Information:

Please see below link to Department for Education Progress Check at Age 2 non-statutory guidance for the early year’s foundation stage. The guidance document is used by early years professionals when completing the EYFS Progress Check at Age 2. This guidance complements the statutory requirements outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

Progress check at age two – Non-statutory guidance for the early year’s foundation stage