Development Matters Statements
This is Development Matters Statements ages and stages split by ages then by Area of learning and is six pages long. This is non-statutory guidance used in England to support early years educators in understanding and tracking children’s development from birth to age 5, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
These are broad age bands with developmental statements that describe typical learning and development in each area of the EYFS. They’re grouped into age ranges (often called “ages and stages”), such as:
Birth to 3 years
3 and 4 years
Reception (4–5 years)
Key Areas of Learning Covered
Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)
Communication and Language
Physical Development
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design
Each area includes example statements of what children might typically be doing within that age range.
Why It’s Helpful
Supports Observation and Assessment
Gives practitioners reference points to notice progress or areas needing support.
Encourages reflective, informed planning rather than “box-ticking.”
Helps Identify Emerging or Delayed Development
If a child is significantly behind or ahead of expected stages, this can prompt early intervention or additional support.
Guides Planning and Next Steps
Helps educators create meaningful, age-appropriate experiences that stretch children’s learning and curiosity.
Facilitates Communication
Useful when discussing development with parents, other staff, or external professionals (e.g., SENCOs, speech therapists).
Important to Note
It is not a checklist – it’s not about ticking off milestones.
Children develop at different rates – the ages are overlapping and flexible.
The focus is on holistic, child-centred development, not pushing children to meet fixed targets.
All our planning has been carefully created by experienced qualified primary school teachers with QTS therefore you can be sure that your planning will achieve your outcomes and aims.
