Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) space requirements consultation is now open
Update 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: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/space-requirements-in-early-years-childcare-settings-in-england.www.gov.uk/government/consultations/space-requirements-in-early-years-childcare-settings-in-england.
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 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 providers and parents in your local area to complete the survey too.
H&F Family Hubs provide free activities and support for you and your family. Advice and support include: Maternity and Early years Help with childcare costs Parenting Children with special educational needs and disabilities Fun and supportive sessions include: Learn and play Baby massage Yoga See The Family Hub | London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Many families are eligible for 15 or 30 hours per week of funded early education for their children aged 9 months to 4 years old, depending on their circumstances. By helping families to access their funded hours gives every child the best start in life! As an early year’s provider, you play a vital role… Continue reading EY: Promoting Early Years Entitlements
