Early Years Measures Database

The EEF Early Years Measures Database (EYMD) is a searchable database of assessment tools used to measure young children’s (0−6 year olds) development and learning. The EYMD helps you identify valid, practical assessment tools for early learning research and practice. It supports the EEF’s broader aim of strengthening the evidence base for early years (EY) practice by helping researchers and practitioners choose high-quality, appropriate measures for evaluation and improvement. The EYMD applies a rigorous, education-focused review framework to assess tools’ psychometric quality, feasibility, and relevance to early learning outcomes.

The database is organised using a taxonomy of developmental domains, which groups measures into broad domains (e.g. literacy, physical development), finer sub-domains, and specific skills within each. Users can also identify measures that target more than one area by selecting multiple domains when searching.

Where to find more information?

The EYMD user guide explains how to navigate the database, interpret the ratings, and use the information to select appropriate tools, while the EYMD report details the methodology, evidence standards, and review processes used to develop the database. You can explore the full database here.