CONSULTATION
We take a look at the key proposals in the new consultation on the Early Years Foundation Stage
The Department for Education has launched a new consultation on changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework.
While some of the proposed changes simply seek to clarify existing guidance, the consultation also includes a number of other significant changes that form part of what the government describes as its efforts to “offer providers increased flexibility and alleviate known burdens”.
These changes include:
Other changes include:
These proposed changes are in addition to the previously-announced changes to two-year-old ratios and the rules around supervision while eating in early years settings, which will come into force in September 2023, subject to parliamentary procedure.
The new consultation will run until Wednesday 26 July 2023, with any changes expected to come into force in early 2024.
Commenting on the proposals, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said:
“We’re clear that the needs of the child, and ensuring that the care and education being delivered to them is of high quality, must be at the heart of any changes to early years policy.
“But while we recognise that some of the proposals – such as changes to maths qualification requirements – announced today have been long called for by those working in the early years, it’s hard to shake the feeling that many of the proposals have nothing to do with quality, and everything to do with a desperate attempt to boost workforce numbers ahead of the extension of the 30-hours offer. Taken together, there is a real risk that they will result in a de-professionalisation of the workforce at a time when the need for quality care and education is as high as it’s ever been.
“What’s more, given the decision to push ahead with relaxing ratios for two-year-olds despite almost universal opposition, we remain concerned that the government’s desire to create more ‘free childcare’ will be prioritised over and above the need to deliver quality early education opportunities, regardless of how the sector responds to the consultation.
“We’re clear that any changes to qualifications requirements must not – and cannot – lead to a lowering of standards within the early years sector, and will fully oppose any attempts to do so.”
The consultation document, which includes the full proposals, is available here.