The Early Years Foundation Stage (Welfare Requirements) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

These Regulations amend the Early Years Foundation Stage (Welfare Requirements) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/938) (the “2012 Regulations”). Regulation 2 amends regulation 3(4) of the 2012 Regulations to give effect to a revised “Qualifications Document”, which is the document entitled “Early years qualification requirements and standards” dated 10th February 2025 and published by the Secretary of State on the gov.uk website.

The Qualifications Document specifies qualifications and training requirements to be met by early years providers (other than early years childminders) required by section 40 of the Childcare Act 2006 (c. 21) to comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The changes made to the Qualifications Document are the first part of the introduction of the experience-based route for early years practitioners to gain status to work at level 3 within staff:child ratios, which are set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework for group and school-based providers.

These documents are available on the gov.uk website at these links: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2 and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-qualification-requirements-and-standards.

A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business, the voluntary sector and the public sector is available on the legislation.gov.uk website. Hard copies of these documents can be viewed at the Department for Education, Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BT.