The Two-Year Progress Check: What Parents Need to Know
If your child is at nursery between their second and third birthdays, you’ll receive a short written report called the EYFS progress check at age two. It’s a normal part of early years in England and nothing to worry about. Here’s what it is and how we do it at our nursery for 2 year olds in Fulham.
What is the two-year check?
It’s a short written summary of your child’s development, required by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for every child at a registered early years setting in England when they’re between 24 and 36 months old. It describes what your child is doing well, any areas where they may need more support, and what the nursery and you will do next.
What does it cover?
The three prime areas of the EYFS, which are the foundations for all later learning:
- Communication and language: how your child listens, understands and talks.
- Physical development: movement, coordination, and early self-care like feeding and dressing.
- Personal, social and emotional development: confidence, relationships, and managing feelings.
Who writes it?
Your child’s key person, the practitioner who knows them best. They’ll draw on their own observations, your knowledge of your child at home, and any other professionals involved. If your child goes to more than one setting, it’s usually written by the one they attend most.
The link with your health visitor
Around the same age, your health visitor offers a two-year health and development review. Where possible, the nursery’s progress check is ready in time so you can share it at that review. Some areas combine the two into an “integrated review”. Together they give a fuller picture of your child.
What happens at Caring Hands
- Your child’s key person observes them over a few weeks, once they’ve settled.
- They talk with you about how your child is at home.
- They write the summary and go through it with you at a short meeting.
- You both sign it; you keep a copy (many parents put it in the “red book”) and we keep one.
- We agree simple next steps, at nursery and at home.
What if the check shows my child needs support?
That’s exactly what the check is for: spotting things early, when support makes the biggest difference. If your child’s progress is slower in an area, we’ll make a plan with you, which might include extra activities at nursery, ideas for home, or, with your agreement, involving our SENCo or professionals such as a speech and language therapist. Many children simply need a little more time.
How to prepare
There’s nothing to revise. Just tell your child’s key person about your child: new words, favourite games, anything you’re curious or unsure about. You know your child best.
Frequently asked questions
Is the two-year check a test?
No. It’s a summary of your child’s development, not a pass or fail.
Will I see it before it’s final?
Yes. We discuss it with you and include your views.
My child is already three. Did they miss it?
It must be done between 24 and 36 months. If your child joined us after three, the previous setting or your health visitor may have done it.
