The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) program in England differs significantly in structure and content from the Te Whariki program in New Zealand; This therefore constitutes an interesting comparison. The EYFS was introduced in England, in 2008, by the DfE as a framework which “sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years” (DfE, 2012). Alternatively, Te Whariki was founded in New Zealand, in 1996, based on the aspirations of children "to grow as competent and confident learners and communicators, of sound mind, body and spirit, confident in their sense of belonging and their knowledge. that they make a valuable contribution to society” (Ministry of Education, 1996). Throughout this essay, the EYFS and Te Whariki curricula will be compared and contrasted to provide a better understanding of the similarities and differences between England and New Zealand regarding their beliefs about needs of young children. As mentioned previously, the EYFS and Te Whariki differ in their curriculum styles. The EYFS is much more explicit and detailed in its framework than the Te Whariki curriculum, making it clearer for practitioners to follow and use effectively during practice. There are many additional resources available to EYFS practitioners to help them provide appropriate literacy experiences for children, for example; a CD-ROM is included in the EYFS teaching pack showing useful video clips of teachers participating in effective activities which can further promote successful teaching in England (DCSF, 2008a). In contrast, however, the Te Whariki curriculum contains little guidance on how teachers plan and assess their students; they are advised to “develop their own distinctive character” Whãriki: Il whãriki mãtauranga mõ ngã mokopuna o Aotearoa. Early childhood program. Wellington: Learning Media. National Panel on Early Literacy, 2008. Developing Early Literacy. Report of the National Panel on Early Literacy. Washington, DC: National Literacy Institute. Palaiologou, I., 2013. The foundation stage of early childhood: theory and practice. 2nd ed. London: Sage. Soler, J. and Miller, L., 2010. The fight for the early childhood curriculum: a comparison of the English Foundation Stage, Te Whariki and Reggio Emilia curriculum. International Journal of Early Childhood Education. London: Routledge.Tickell, C., 2011. The early years: foundations of life, health and learning. An independent report on the early years foundation stage for Her Majesty's Government. London: HMG Vygotsky, LS, 1978. Mind in Society. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.