Department for Education EYFS consultation response
The Department for Education has published its official response to the recent consultation on changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework.
The revised EYFS, which is expected to be published in draft format shortly, will come into effect in January 2024, subject to parliamentary approval. The DfE has confirmed that it will be proceeding with plans to create two versions of the EYFS framework: one with childminder-relevant content and one with group and school-based provider-relevant content.
The proposed changes that will be going ahead include:
- Removing the requirement for level 3 educators to hold a level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) maths qualification, and instead applying this requirement to setting managers. This change will only apply to new managers or managers who move to a new role after these changes are implemented. Setting managers employed on or after 4 January 2024 must hold a level 2 maths qualification, or they must achieve one within two years of starting in the position. For managers already in post, and remain in the same post, there will be no action to take.
- Changing the requirement around how providers support children with English as an Additional Language to develop their home language from “must” to “may".
- Allowing suitable students on long-term placements and apprentices to be included in the ratios at the level below their level of study, only if their manager is satisfied that they are sufficiently competent and responsible.
- Remove the requirement for childminders to complete EYFS training before registration and instead continue to require EYFS knowledge and understanding.
- Allowing childminders' assistant(s) to act as the key person.
- Allow ‘kitchens’ to be considered within floor space requirements in childminding settings.
The following changes will also be going ahead but at a later date (yet to be confirmed):
- Introducing an ‘experience-based route’ for educators to gain approved status to work within staff:child ratios, so that "otherwise suitable educators who don’t hold an approved level 3 qualification have a path to gaining ‘approved status’ without having to do a new qualification". This would allow educators to count within the level 3 ratio but would not give them a formal qualification.
- Clarifying the wording in the EYFS to reflect the Department’s policy that only those with Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years Teacher Status and Early Years Professional Status can operate in level 6 staff-child ratios.
However, the government has confirmed that it will not be proceeding with the following proposals:
- Reducing the percentage of level 2 qualified staff required per ratio for children of all ages from ‘at least half’ to either 30% or 40% where applicable.
- Changing the qualification requirements for ratios so that they would not apply outside of peak working hours.
Immunising pre-school children against flu
This year’s flu vaccination programme is underway. Children aged 2 and 3 years old (on 31 August before flu vaccination starts in the autumn) are eligible for a free flu vaccine given as a nasal spray.
Those working in the early years sector have an important role to play in raising awareness amongst parents about the annual flu vaccination programme for preschool children.
Annual vaccination of children helps provide protection to each child and reduces the spread of flu to their families and the wider community, protecting others who are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from flu. The flu vaccine also promotes a healthy working environment in nurseries and childcare settings by reducing the risk of flu being spread to others including staff.
A leaflet for early years providers giving information about the programme is available and it includes details about how to order free resources to display or give to parents including translations in multiple languages.
Ofsted Early Years Blog
Ofsted have published a new blog on what to expect when you are applying to register with Ofsted. It is available to read on the link below.
Guidance on using your CO2 monitors
Good ventilation in indoor spaces can help remove virus particles from the air, reducing the spread of airborne illnesses. Fresh air also provides wider benefits such as supporting students’ concentration.
Settings are reminded to use their CO2 monitors to identify when ventilation needs to be improved and to help balance the need for good ventilation with keeping classrooms warm.
Please see the guidance on using CO2 monitors in education and care settings.
Updated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Profile handbook and EYFS guidance on exemptions
The Department for Education has published an updated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Profile 2024 handbook to support teachers and practitioners to complete EYFS Profile assessments in the 2023/24 academic year, in line with statutory requirements.
The DfE have also published updated guidance on exemptions to support early years providers applying for exemptions from the EYFS. This simplifies, streamlines and clarifies the previous guidance, making it easier to follow and implement.
Child Development Training - New module available: Mathematics
Mathematics is now available on the Early Years child development training. This new module covers:
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· nurturing mathematical development from birth
· number including verbal counting, object counting, numerals and subitising
· patterns and relationships
· spatial reasoning, including shape, space and measures
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Ofsted Podcast: Best Start in Life part 2
Ofsted have released a podcast in which Shreena Kotecha (Head of Strategy) talks to Lee Owston (Deputy Director, Schools and Early Education) and Wendy Ratcliff (Principal Officer, Early Education) about the second part of the early years research review series. You can listen on the link below.
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