The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework for Early Years education in England. The term was defined in Section 39 of the British government's Childcare Act 2006. The equivalents in Wales and Scotland are the Foundation Phase and the Early Years Framework. The EYFS has been periodically updated since its introduction. The latest version was published in March 2021 for implementation in September 2021. This framework consists of three sections: The Learning and Development Requirements, Assessment and The Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements.