The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework is statutory for all EYFS providers in England (from 1 September 2021): maintained schools; non-maintained schools; independent schools (including free schools and academies); all providers on the Early Years Register; and all providers registered with an early years childminder agency. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to give children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life. The EYFS covers both the learning and development requirements and safeguarding and welfare requirements. The statutory requirements are indicated by the use of the word “must”. Additionally, early years providers including schools must “have regard” to other provisions in these sections. These provisions are indicated by the use of the word “should”. “Having regard” to these provisions means that early years providers must take them into account when providing early years provision and should not depart from them unless there is good reason for doing so.