This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Early Years Advisory Teacher, Karen Loft, for the attention of all Early Years and Childcare Practitioners.
The revised framework contains three key updates:
In July 2023, the government published changes to the EYFS Framework that will apply from the 4th of September.
Within the changes are three points that may affect early years practitioners, whether they are new or already familiar with early years:
- The statutory minimum staff-to-child ratios in England for 2-year-olds will change to 1:5 (it is currently 1:4)
- Childminders can care for more than the specified maximum of three young children if the childminder is:
- caring for their own child
- or if they are caring for siblings of children they already care for
- Rules about 'adequate supervision' while children are eating have been clarified – they must be within sight and hearing of an adult.
Further proposed EYFS changes, including changes to staff qualification requirements, remain under consultation and – should they be taken forward – would come into effect at a later date.
Please ensure you download, read and share with your team
Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- 4 September 2023
Updated to highlight that the new statutory framework for the early years foundation stage applies from 4 September 2023. Removed the previous version.
- 12 July 2023
Added new version of 'Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage' which applies from 4 September 2023. The following 3 changes will apply: the current statutory minimum staff:child ratios in England for 2-year-olds changes from 1:4 to 1:5; childminders can care for more than the specified maximum of three young children if they are caring for siblings of children they already care for, or if the childminder is caring for their own child; clarifying that 'adequate supervision' while children are eating means that children must be within sight and hearing of an adult.
Keeping children safe in education 2023 (publishing.service.gov.uk) updated 01 September 2023
Early years inspection handbook - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) updated 14 July 2023