The eagerly anticipated publication of the second edition of Birth to Five Matters marks an important milestone for the Early Years sector. Released on 15 July 2026, this updated guidance reflects the changing landscape of early childhood education while remaining firmly rooted in what matters most, supporting every child to thrive through high-quality, child-centred practice.
Developed by the Early Years Coalition, Birth to Five Matters continues to be a trusted, non-statutory guide that complements the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. It provides practical guidance, research-informed approaches and reflective questions to help educators translate the EYFS into meaningful everyday practice.
Whether you are an early years educator, childminder, leader, teacher or apprentice, the second edition offers valuable insights and resources to support professional development and continuous improvement.
What is Birth to Five Matters?
Birth to Five Matters is designed to help educators truly understand child development, plan meaningful learning experiences and create environments where children can flourish. Rather than providing a checklist of milestones, it encourages educators to view each child as unique, recognising that development is rarely linear and is influenced by relationships, experiences and individual circumstances.
The guidance supports educators to:
- deepen their understanding of child development
- make informed professional judgements
- reflect on and improve practice
- develop ambitious, inclusive curricula
- strengthen partnerships with families.
The accompanying website makes the guidance even more accessible, allowing educators to quickly navigate sections, explore linked resources and use the document as part of staff meetings, supervision, induction and professional development.
What’s New in the Second Edition?
The updated edition introduces several significant additions that reflect current research, developing practice and the priorities facing the Early Years sector.
Sustainability: Helping Children Care for Their World
One of the most welcome additions is an increased focus on sustainability.
Rather than treating sustainability as a standalone topic, the guidance weaves it naturally throughout children’s everyday experiences. It encourages educators to help children develop a sense of belonging, responsibility and respect for the natural world from their earliest years.
This isn’t about teaching complex environmental issues. Instead, it is about creating opportunities for children to:
- spend meaningful time outdoors
- care for plants and wildlife
- reduce waste through reusing and recycling materials
- appreciate seasonal change
- understand that their actions can make a positive difference.
The guidance recognises that young children learn through experience. Simple activities such as gardening, composting, exploring nature, repairing resources or discussing where food comes from all contribute towards developing environmentally aware citizens of the future.
Importantly, sustainability also extends beyond the environment. It includes creating sustainable communities, nurturing children’s wellbeing and making thoughtful decisions that benefit future generations.
Digital Pedagogy: Moving Beyond Screen Time
Technology continues to play an increasing role in children’s lives, and the second edition introduces an entirely new section on digital pedagogy.
Rather than focusing simply on limiting screen time, the guidance encourages educators to think critically about how technology is used and whether it genuinely enhances children’s learning.
Digital pedagogy is described as using technology intentionally to support communication, creativity, problem-solving and learning, rather than replacing rich hands-on experiences.
The guidance encourages educators to ask questions such as:
- Does this technology add value to children’s learning?
- Is it supporting interaction and communication?
- Does it encourage curiosity and exploration?
- Is it developmentally appropriate?
Technology might include:
- taking photographs to revisit learning
- using digital microscopes
- recording children’s voices and stories
- creating music
- researching children’s interests together
- supporting children with additional needs through assistive technology.
The message is clear: digital experiences should complement, not replace; play, relationships, physical activity and exploration.
For leaders, this section also encourages reflection on staff confidence and professional development, ensuring technology is used purposefully rather than simply because it is available.
A Stronger Focus on Birth to Two
The second edition significantly strengthens guidance for babies and toddlers through an expanded Birth to Two section.
Research continues to highlight just how critical the first 1001 days of life are in shaping children’s brain development, emotional security and future learning.
The guidance places even greater emphasis on:
- responsive caregiving
- secure attachments
- communication before language
- sensory exploration
- movement and physical development
- routines that promote emotional security.
Rather than viewing babies as simply preparing for later learning, the guidance celebrates infancy as a unique and important stage.
Educators are encouraged to slow down, observe closely and recognise the significance of everyday interactions, feeding, nappy changing, comforting, cuddles, shared attention and conversations, all of which contribute to children’s learning and development.
The revised guidance reinforces that warm, responsive relationships remain the foundation of everything that follows.
Reception and Beyond
Another important addition is the inclusion of guidance covering Reception and beyond.
Transitions have long been recognised as one of the most significant periods in a child’s educational journey. This new section acknowledges that learning does not stop at the end of the EYFS and promotes greater continuity between Reception and Key Stage 1.
The guidance encourages educators and schools to work collaboratively to ensure children experience smooth, positive transitions that build upon what they already know and can do.
Key themes include:
- maintaining play-based approaches
- recognising children’s existing knowledge and strengths
- avoiding unnecessary repetition
- building strong communication between settings and schools
- supporting children’s emotional wellbeing during periods of change.
Importantly, it reinforces that children continue to learn best through active, meaningful experiences, with play remaining a powerful vehicle for learning beyond the Early Years.
Why This Matters for the Sector
The second edition reflects many of the conversations currently taking place across Early Years. Sustainability, digital learning, baby development and effective transitions have all become increasingly important as educators respond to changing research, family needs and educational expectations.
Rather than adding more to educators’ workloads, the guidance provides an opportunity to reflect on existing practice, celebrate strengths and identify areas for development.
It also reinforces many of the principles that educators already value:
- high-quality interactions
- inclusive practice
- strong relationships
- child-led learning
- professional judgement
- reflective practice.
For leaders, the updated guidance offers an excellent resource for team meetings, supervision sessions, curriculum development and staff training.
Explore the New Edition
I’d encourage anyone who works within Early Years to explore and get familiar with the second edition of Birth to Five Matters.
Whether you dip into individual sections or read it cover to cover, the guidance provides practical ideas, thought-provoking reflection points and evidence-informed approaches that can strengthen practice across every type of Early Years provision.
As the sector continues to evolve, resources such as Birth to Five Matters help ensure that practice remains responsive, inclusive and firmly centred on the needs of every child.
The updated edition serves as a timely reminder that while the world around children continues to change, the importance of relationships, play, curiosity and skilled educators remain as important as ever.
