Good Level of Development Early Years

Good Level of Development (GLD) is an important milestone in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). At Dodford First, we use the term to describe how well children are developing across key areas of learning by the end of Reception. GLD does not measure “how good” a child is compared with others; instead, it helps us understand their progress and the skills they are building for the next stage of learning.

In the EYFS, children develop through a balance of play, purposeful teaching, and structured activities. This includes communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design. As children move through the year, staff observe learning closely and use day-to-day assessment to identify what children can do independently and what support they still need.

GLD is based on expected outcomes in specific areas. These expectations focus on key knowledge and skills that support children’s readiness for Year 1, such as being able to speak clearly, show increasing independence, recognise sounds and letters, and develop early number understanding. Importantly, children are not expected to do everything at the same pace; progress is shaped by individual starting points, learning needs, and opportunities provided at school and at home.

Parents play a vital role in supporting early development. Simple routines—reading together daily, talking about the world around us, practising early number in everyday situations, and encouraging confidence through play—make a real difference. If you would like to know how GLD is assessed at Dodford First, or how you can best support your child at home, please speak with your child’s teacher or the Early Years team.