The Department for Education has launched a consultation over proposed changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which sets standards and outcomes for providers.
The consultation includes a proposal to remove the requirement for level three early years educators to hold a GCSE or equivalent maths qualification and introduce an experience-based route into childcare for those without an approved level three qualification.
According to the DfE, the qualification changes are intended to improve the quality of early education while also increasing flexibility for providers and making it easier for practitioners to join the workforce.
The consultation also seeks views on plans to reduce the numbers of level two qualified staff required as part of staff ratios in settings, from “at least half” to either 30 per cent or 40 per cent of all staff working at any given time.
