Updating the Early Years Measures Database (EYMD)

Assessment
Written By Oxford MeasurEd

Client:             Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)

Duration:        2025 - 2026

Geography:     England

Solutions:        Assessment, Organisational Learning and Growth

Oxford MeasurEd is working with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to update the Early Years Measures Database (EYMD). EYMD is a free, online resource that supports researchers, practitioners, and evaluators in selecting high-quality outcome measures to assess early learning and development.

Originally launched in 2017, the EYMD reviews outcome measures for children aged 0–6 across key domains such as language, literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional skills. This update aims to expand and improve the database to make it more comprehensive, user-friendly, and aligned with current frameworks like the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Oxford MeasurEd will lead a comprehensive review and revision of the definitions for key developmental domains, ensuring they reflect the latest research and best practice in early childhood development. We will expand the database by adding new domains and identify high-quality measures aligned to each domain and systematically code supplementary data for all shortlisted measures. The project will also involve a redesign of the database interface and an overhaul of the rating system to enhance the presentation of psychometric properties and implementation-related information.

The project will support EEF’s strategy to strengthen evaluation infrastructure in the early years sector and improve the quality of research and assessment across its programmes. It also contributes to wider Department for Education priorities focused on improving outcomes for young children.

Oxford MeasurEd is leading this work in close collaboration with EEF and sector experts.

Key Activities:

  • Desk-based review of definitions of key developmental domains

  • Validating definitions through consultations with early years experts

  • Engaging evaluators to improve the database design and usability

  • Identifying and appraising new measures, especially for children aged 0–3

  • Creating a prototype of the redesigned database layout

  • Developing user-friendly practical guidance and tools for users

Oxford MeasurEd
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