The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum in England differs significantly in structure and content from the Te Whariki curriculum in New Zealand; this therefore makes for 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 that children "grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and knowledge". who make a valuable contribution to society” (Ministry of Education, 1996). In this essay, the EYFS and Te Whariki programs will be compared and contrasted to provide a greater understanding of the similarities and differences between England and New Zealand regarding their beliefs about the needs of young children. As previously mentioned, EYFS and Te Whariki differ in their curriculum styles. The EYFS is significantly more explicit and detailed in its structure 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 assist in providing appropriate literacy experiences for children, for example; Included in the EYFS teaching package is a CD rom showing useful video clips of teachers engaging in effective activities, which can further promote teaching success in England (DCSF, 2008a). In contrast, however, the Te Whāriki curriculum has minimal guidance on how teachers plan and assess their pupils, they are advised to 'develop their own distinctive… middle of paper… n, 1996. Te Whāriki: He whāriki mãtauranga mõ ngã mokopuna o Aotearoa. Early Childhood Curriculum. Wellington: Learning Media. National Early Literacy Panel, 2008. Early Literacy Development Report. Paleologou, I., 2013. The Early Years Foundation Phase: Theory and Practice. 2nd ed. London: Sage.Soler, J., & Miller, L., 2010. The Struggle for Early Childhood Curricula: A Comparison of the Foundation Stage Curriculum English, Te Whariki and Reggio Emilia. International Journal of Early Years Education. London: Routledge.Tickell, C., 2011. The Early Years: Foundations for Life, Health and Learning on the foundation phase of the first years of Her Majesty's Government. London: HMGVygotsky, L.S., 1978. Mind in Society. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.