Early Education and Childcare Workforce: Government Consultation Response on the Early Years Educator (EYE) Level 3 Criteria Review

The Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework (EYFS) statutory framework sets the standards and requirements that all early years providers must follow to ensure all children have the best start in life and are prepared for school. This includes the requirements for staff: child ratios for all providers delivering the EYFS and the qualification levels that practitioners must hold in order to count within the ratios. The EYFS framework was updated in 2021, the main focus of the changes were on learning and development and assessment requirements with the primary aim of improving outcomes for children. This consultation asked for views about the suitability of the proposed revisions to the Early Years Educator Level 3 qualifications criteria and any cost implications of changing the criteria on businesses. The Early Years Educator Level 3 criteria set out the minimum expected standards for what a practitioner qualified to Level 3 should know, understand, and be able to do when delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework (EYFS). The consultation was conducted online over an 8-week period from Monday 28 November 2022 to Monday 23 January 2023, with the option to respond by email. All responses were received via the online form. The consultation questions requested yes/no/not sure answers, as well as free text, allowing respondents to express views on the proposed criteria. This review contributes to the Early Years Recovery Programme (EYRP) by updating and improving the Early Years Educator Level 3 criteria, responding directly to sector feedback on the need for improving the quality of Early Years Educator Level 3 qualifications.