Want your school involved in Wave One?
What is the EDSP?
The Electronic Developmental Support Passport (EDSP) is a free, teacher-led, online tool that helps schools identify and meet children’s developmental needs earlier and more effectively. Developed by Born in Bradford’s Centre for Applied Education Research (CAER), it builds on the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP), providing a structured assessment of children’s strengths and needs alongside tailored, evidence-based recommendations for support.
How It Works
- Staff record whether a child has age-appropriate skills across 12 key developmental domains
- Where a child isn't yet at the expected level, the tool asks for more detail on relevant skills - keeping the process efficient
- Teachers receive instant, free, evidence-based resources to share with families and use in the classroom
- Each assessment builds a structured record that follows the child through school
- Links directly to Healthier Together, an NHS-backed resource platform
Why It Matters for Schools
Participating schools will be able to identify needs earlier, provide more support to pupils, and become much more inclusive by benefiting from:
How the Rollout Will Work
The EDSP will be implemented across two academic years in two waves, with recruitment each September/October and assessment windows each January–March.
Wave One
Academic Year 2026/27
Expression of Interest: July 2026
Recruitment: Sept–Oct 2026
Assessment Window 1: Jan–Mar 2027
Evaluation 1: June–July 2027
Assessment Window 2: Jan–Mar 2028
Evaluation 2: June–July 2028
Target cohort:
First year: Year 1 pupils (core group)
Second year: Year 2 pupils and new Year 1 pupils
Schools may include additional year groups
Wave Two
Academic Year 2027/28
Recruitment: Sept–Oct 2027
Assessment Window: Jan–Mar 2028
Evaluation: June–July 2028
Target Cohort:
Year 1 pupils
Additional year groups optional
Minimum Commitment
Schools commit to completing at least one EDSP assessment per pupil per year for the chosen cohort. By the end of the project, the aim is that each child will have received an EDSP assessment in both Year 1 and Year 2 where possible.
Training & Support
Schools will receive:
- An introductory training session led by EALC
- Ongoing support through help guides, webinars, CPD and named points of contact
- SENCO-led implementation initially, building Year 1 teacher expertise over time
- Guidance for parent conversations and ethical use of information
Evaluation
Schools are encouraged to participate across two full academic years, with evaluation led by Born in Bradford’s Centre for Applied Education Research (CAER) through anonymised data collection, focus groups and interviews:
- End of Summer Term 2027 — improvement cycle</strong
- End of Summer Term 2028 — project conclusion
Findings will shape understanding of pupil need across participating schools, alongside teacher and family feedback on the tool itself.
Do You Want Your School Involved in Wave One?
EALC aims for maximum participation from Bradford District primary schools in Wave One, to ensure strong early learning, shared practice and district-wide consistency.
Takes under 2 minutes — just your school name, a lead contact, and the year group(s) you intend to start with in Autumn 2026.