What document serves as a reference to assess a young child’s expected development levels?

The choice of early years outcomes guidance is essential for assessing a young child’s expected development levels because it is specifically designed to provide frameworks that detail the developmental milestones and what children should typically achieve at various ages during their early years. This document serves as a comprehensive resource for educators and caregivers, offering clear benchmarks in areas such as communication, physical development, personal, social, and emotional development, as well as literacy and mathematics.

Using this guidance ensures that assessments are aligned with expected development trajectories, allowing caregivers and educators to recognize developmental progress, identify any areas of concern, and plan appropriately for children’s learning and development needs. The early years outcomes guidance is rooted in research and best practices, making it a reliable tool for understanding a child's growth in a formative stage of their life.