DfE consultation launch: EYFS space requirements
See message below from the DfE:
As we get more children ready for school at age 5, we are exploring new ways to help providers offer more high-quality childcare places for families, that include access to outdoor space. Evidence shows the huge benefits of outdoor play to children from improved problem solving to mental and physical health. Yet currently, the government’s early years framework requires provision of outdoor play but only formally recognises indoor space in its requirements for how many children nurseries and childcare providers can take on at any one time.
On 12 May, the government launched its “space requirements in early years childcare settings” consultation, which runs until 11 July and is available at:
Space requirements in early years childcare settings in England - GOV.UK
The consultation is seeking views on whether to introduce flexibility into the EYFS that will allow free-flow outdoor space to be included in the indoor space to be included in the indoor space requirements, with a possible cap on the number of additional places that can be offered. The government is also seeking feedback on the proposed definition of “free-flow”.
This consultation has been launched because early years providers expressed a desire for these rules to be updated. To meet forecasted demands for the expanded entitlements, we estimate an additional 60,000 new places are required between September 2024 and September 2025, and one of the barriers to expanding childcare is physical space. In the department’s Pulse surveys of childcare and early years providers, November 2023, 70% of providers who responded said they would make better use of their outdoor space if more flexibility was introduced.
We want to hear from as many people as possible to inform a decision on what to do next. Please complete the online consultation survey and encourage parents in your local area to complete the survey too.
Update from Shena Patel, the Local Immunisation Coordinator for NHS North West London From 1 July 2025, the NHS is making changes to the childhood vaccination schedule to better protect children against serious diseases. Some vaccines will be given earlier, providing protection when children need it most. Changes to the childhood vaccination schedule will see… Continue reading EY: Vaccine changes: Resources to share with parents
Update from the Department for Education: The DfE have updated the Easy explainer: early years funding rates – GOV.UK which is designed to support providers to understand the early years funding system. The update includes additional detail on: why funding rates vary by age the interaction between ratios and funding rates what costs the hourly… Continue reading EY: Updated Easy explainer: Early Years Funding Rates: DfE
