Understanding the New Early Learning Goals – Real-Life Examples for Educators

With the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework now fully in place, many early years practitioners are seeking practical guidance on what the updated Early Learning Goals (ELGs) actually look like in practice.

To support this transition, we’ve worked closely with early years consultant and author Dr. Sue Allingham to create a new video training package within the Siren Films Video Library. This resource is designed to bridge the gap left by outdated exemplification materials and provide educators with clear, real-life examples of children working within the ELGs.

Why This Matters

In a recent article for Nursery World, Sue Allingham shared her concerns:

“The changes to the Early Learning Goals mean that the exemplification materials that had been so useful have become obsolete… I became concerned about the misunderstandings I was seeing on social media… especially around what an ELG looks like.”

With “Exceeding” now removed from EYFSP judgements and confusion around terminology and expectations, there’s a clear need for accessible, informed video examples that reflect current practice and provision.

A Practical, Video-Based Approach

Together with Sue, we reviewed the updated Educational Programmes and ELGs in depth and identified key areas where visual examples could help clarify expectations for:

• Educators in schools and nurseries

• Local Authorities delivering training

• School-based assessment and moderation teams

Using our existing footage — along with newly filmed material — we’ve built a growing collection of video clips that:

How to Use the Materials

Each clip is accompanied by practical training notes and reflection questions, making them ideal for:

• Individual CPD

• Inset training sessions

• School-wide or MAT moderation

• Local Authority-led CPD

The full package is part of our Early Years Clip Library, which continues to grow and evolve. It’s designed to support assessment not just at the end of reception, but from birth to seven.

• Read the full nursery world article – Gaining a picture of what the ‘Early Learning Goals’ look like by Dr Sue Allingham, early years consultant and author
• Find out more about Sue Allingham’s work and what she offers at her website Early Years Out of the Box Consultancy