This project aims to expand and improve EEF’s Early Years Measures Database (EYMD) to make it more comprehensive, user-friendly and better aligned with frameworks like the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The update is part of the EEF’s early years strategy which includes a focus on building expertise across its evaluator panel in conducting early years evaluations and aims to facilitate high-quality research through the development of better evaluation infrastructure.
The EEF has commissioned Oxford MeasurEd to lead this update from 2025 – 2026.
The Early Years Measures Database (EYMD)
EEF’s Early Years Measures Database is a free, online resource that supports users in identifying high-quality outcome measures to assess early learning and development.
In 2014, as part of its remit to expand its work in the early years sector, the EEF commissioned the Institute of Education at University College London (UCL) to carry out a review of measures designed to assess 0 – 6‑year-old children. This work resulted in the launch of two key resources:
1. The Early Years Measures Database, which catalogues tools for assessing developmental domains including language, literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional development.
2.An accompanying document, which covers the findings of the review, how the EYMD was developed and offers some guidance on what to consider when choosing measures to evaluate children’s abilities.
The review commissioned by the EEF in 2014 was an initial attempt to identify measures that were most relevant to EEF trials in the early years. It was not intended to be a definitive answer to how outcomes for early years children should be measured.
In 2024, the EEF conducted an internal review to understand whether there is a need to commission an update to the EYMD. This internal review included a preliminary literature review of recent research, reports and frameworks related to early childhood assessment, feedback gathered from evaluators and Evaluation Managers working on EEF-commissioned early years projects and colleagues working on EEF’s strategic priorities in the early years, and a thorough review of the existing database for gaps and usability challenges.
The internal review found that, since the creation of this database, there has been significant engagement with the resource, a marked increase in the number of Early Years evaluations EEF has commissioned, as well as changes to EEF’s strategic priorities in the Early Years sector. Feedback from different stakeholders has highlighted gaps in the database, usability challenges and the need to expand its scope for it to remain a relevant, effective and a comprehensive resource, capable of supporting research in the early years. Further, it was widely acknowledged that the EEF has the potential to elevate the database into a definitive resource for evidence-based assessments.
The improvements to the EYMD will include:
- Stronger alignment with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and EEF’s Early Years Evidence Store, including updates to domains and clearer links to Early Learning Goals.
- New content such as an ‘early learning environments’ domain and expanded coverage of measures for younger age groups (0 – 3 years).
- Up-to-date psychometric and implementation information from a refreshed systematic review with clearer information on how each measure can be used, including practical guidance for administration.
- Better usability with an improved website interface, enhanced search and filter options, and clearer presentation of information.
- Broader coverage by exploring international measures where UK-specific tools are lacking and highlighting gaps in domains to inform future development of measures.
- Richer insights incorporating learning from EEF-funded trials to help users choose and apply measures more effectively.
The update to the EYMD will be complete in Spring/Summer 2026.