The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework is changing from 4th January 2024 with two versions of the EYFS framework replacing the previous single version.

• EYFS for childminders
• EYFS for group and school-based providers

A full summary of changes for each version can be found here but the main changes for group and school-based settings to implement are to:

• ensure your setting’s safeguarding policies and procedures include all electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities, not just mobile phones and cameras (Section 3)
• ensure all level 2 and level 3 staff members hold a valid paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate, otherwise they cannot be included in ratio (Section 3)
• ensure setting managers appointed on or after 4 January 2024 hold a level 2 maths qualification, or they achieve one within 2 years of starting in the position (Section 3)

There are also two key changes to introduce more flexibilities around qualifications and ratios that settings may wish to implement if appropriate and safe.

• Level 3 practitioners in group and school-based settings are no longer required to hold a level 2 maths qualification to count within staff:child ratios (Section 3, Staff:child ratios)
• a manager in group and school-based settings can now allow students and apprentices to count in staff:child ratios at the level below their level of study, if the manager is satisfied that they are competent and responsible (Section 3, Staff:child ratios)

All providers are requested to communicate the changes to their staff. You can use these printable poster and information sheets to communicate the changes to your colleagues. You can download these by clicking on each of the links below.

All early years settings: Poster about the changes (pdf, 317KB).

Childminders: Information sheet about the changes (pdf, 873KB).

Group and school-based settings: Information sheet about the changes (pdf, 844KB).

Please note, there are no changes to the learning and development requirements.