Updating the Early Years Measures Database (EYMD)

Client:             Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)

Duration:        2025 - 2026

Geography:     England

Solutions:        Assessment, Organisational Learning and Growth‍ ‍

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

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

Oxford MeasurEd led a comprehensive review and revision of the definitions for key developmental domains, ensuring they reflected the latest research and best practice in early childhood development. The team expanded the database by adding new domains, identified high-quality measures aligned to each domain, and systematically coded supplementary data for all shortlisted measures. The project also involved 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 supported 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 contributed to wider Department for Education priorities focused on improving outcomes for young children.

Oxford MeasurEd led this work in close collaboration with EEF and sector experts. We expect the updated EYMD and final report to be published in September 2026.

Key Activities:

• Conducted a desk-based review of definitions of key developmental domains.

• Validated definitions through consultations with early years experts.

• Engaged evaluators to improve the database design and usability.

• Identified and appraised new measures, particularly for children aged 0–3.

• Created a prototype of the redesigned database layout.

• Developed user-friendly practical guidance and tools for users.