Good Levels of Development 2026

10 July 2026

I am delighted to tell you that the early indications are that in Kent we have achieved a significant increase in the percentage of children achieving a Good Level of Development.

In 2025, 68.9% of children achieved this; we believe this has increased to 74% in 2026. We also believe the rate of improvement will be stronger than national. Equally pleasing is that outcomes for pupils eligible for free school meals has also seen strong progress, up by a shade under 4% on last year.

Well done. We need to maintain this trajectory in 2027. That would mean we exceed the DfE’s minimum targets a year early - wouldn’t that be fantastic!

One of this year’s standout successes has been the impact of the Early Writing Project. Congratulations to the 25 participating schools, which achieved an average increase of 12.3% in Good Level of Development outcomes - a truly remarkable accomplishment. The case studies shared throughout the project have been inspiring, demonstrating the difference that high-quality provision, expert teaching, and a relentless focus on children’s needs can make. Most importantly, they serve as a powerful reminder that, despite the many changes and challenges facing the education system, children and young people remain at the heart of everything we do.

The project is running again next year and inviting Year 1 colleagues along too so please do book a place on the Writing in Action - Year R and Year 1 Writing Project, if this is an area for development in your school.

The next round of CPD sessions for Year R teachers as part of the DfE funded offer to schools, will begin in September focussing on Formative Assessment. All schools will be expected to attend again with links now available to book (below). TEP received some very positive feedback from schools about their sessions this term which supported teachers to make their accurate judgements for the Profile assessment this year. The sessions are face to face and I know teachers have welcomed the opportunity to come together to explore and share the DfE materials and guidance.

The session will consolidate the focus on ensuring EYFS Profile data is accurate and consistent and explore the formative use of data.

The purpose of all data is to question and encourage reflection on how this can support YR practice, provision and meeting the individual needs of children. Formative data is essential in understanding the impact of practice and where possible gaps in learning occur. This may be with the cohort as a group, undertaking a ‘gap analysis’ of EYFS Profile data and modifying practice as a result. Equally, this could be focussed on an individual child or group, identifying how their demonstration of knowledge and skills can be supported, consolidated or extended.

The session will include:

  • National Updates where appropriate
  • Overview of existing exemplification and ‘pitch’ of attaining expected
  • Practical activity to use data identify gaps and develop provision
  • Practical activity to use data to identify specific developments for individual children

The sessions are:

Once again well done to your teams for the improvements this year, and I wish you a delightful summer break when it comes.

David Adams
Interim Deputy Director – Effectiveness, Sufficiency and Skills