Childcare in England has improved since the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), according to OFSTED's chief inspector.

In its report on the impact of the EYFS, the watchdog said all types of provider from large primary schools to childminders working with one or two children could deliver the framework well.

The report found that at the end of August 2010, the percentage of providers judged good or outstanding had increased to 68 per cent, compared with 59 per cent at the end of August 2008 — before the EYFS was introduced.

Providers that were judged as delivering best practice were often using established routines, had high expectations of children’s behaviour and made good use of external support. Commitment to developing practice was also highlighted with nine out of the 12 outstanding childminders visited as part of the report having qualifications above the minimum requirement.

Chief inspector Christine Gilbert said: "Childcare in England has improved since the introduction of the EYFS. Our evidence shows that all kinds of provider, from schools to childminders, can deliver the EYFS well and that children are enjoying their time, whatever type of provision they attend.

"In the best provision, childcare providers have established routines, high expectations of children’s behaviour and a good understanding of learning needs. They are also committed to their own development and make the most of the external support available."

The report drew upon 54,000 inspections of early years provision undertaken since the introduction of the EYFS in September 2008. A further 12 local authorities and providers in those areas were involved in compiling the findings.

The biggest barriers to improvement were identified as self-evaluation and action planning. According to the report, providers too often saw these areas as something that had to be done rather than a means of improving outcomes

Providers’ views about the value and impact of the the EYFS varied. Those that were positive said the framework had raised the status of early education, made them more ambitious and had given them a clearer idea of what they should be doing and how to improve their practice.

Childminders visited for the survey expressed negative views more often than other types of providers.

OFSTED's report will inform Dame Clare Tickell’s review of the EYFS, which is expected to be published in the spring of 2011.