This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council on behalf of the DfE's Early Years Entitlements Team for the attention of all Early Years and Childcare Practitioners.
Following the 2023 summer consultation, regulatory changes have been made to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The changes are live from 4 January 2024. There is now one framework for childminders and one for group and school-based providers.
Some notable changes to the EYFS include, but are not limited to:
- The creation of two versions of the EYFS: one for childminders and one for group and school-based providers.
- The creation of a new document setting out Early Years qualification requirements and standards.
- Removing the requirement for Level 3 practitioners to hold a Level 2 maths qualification to count within staff: child ratios and instead place this requirement on managers.
- Students and apprentices can now count in ratios at the level below their level of study if the manager believes they are competent and responsible to do so.
- Settings may provide opportunities for children to develop and use their home language in play and learning, previously this requirement stated this ‘must’ be done.
- Childminder assistants can hold the role of key person.
- Removal of the requirement for childminders to complete EYFS training before registration. Childminders will still be required to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the EYFS.
The Department for Education recognises the dedication of staff across the Early Years sector to provide high quality early education and hopes that these changes will offer settings flexibilities to help relieve workplace pressures. These changes do not unpick the education reforms to the EYFS introduced in 2021. You can read the independent evaluation of those reforms and their benefits for settings and children.
We encourage you to share the new frameworks with your networks widely, to ensure that all early year’s providers, childminders and practitioners feel confident and informed of the changes. The Foundation Years website is additionally frequently updated with resources to aid practice in settings, as well as the Help for Early Years website offering Early Years child development training and guidance.
Kind regards,
The Early Years Foundation Stage Implementation Team