Changes to the early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework: January 2024
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework is mandatory for all early years settings. It sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well, and are kept healthy and safe.
There will be two versions of the EYFS framework:
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one for childminders
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one for group and school-based providers
Both versions of the framework come into force in January 2024, replacing the previous single version.
This page summarises the reasons why the changes have been made, what you need to do and includes resources to help you communicate the changes.
Contents
Why the changes have been made
A full list of changes to the early years foundation stage framework is available for your setting. The changes are mainly regulatory and offer new flexibilities to settings. These changes do not alter the EYFS education reforms that were introduced in 2021.
The changes have been made to ensure:
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providers can operate successfully
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practitioners can focus on providing children in their care with a high-quality early education
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practitioners have opportunities to progress their careers
What you need to do
From 4 January 2024, all early years providers must follow the new early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework. Whatever your role and type of setting you work in, you’ll need to be working to the appropriate new framework.
Check which version of the EYFS you are using
There are now two versions of the EYFS:
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one for childminders
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one for group and school-based providers
Make sure you are referring to the right version for your setting.
Understand the staff qualification requirements
The early years qualification requirements and standards statutory guidance document explains which level 2 maths qualifications new managers will need, and other qualification requirements.
Communicate the changes
You can use our printable poster and information sheets to communicate the changes to your colleagues. You can download these by clicking on each of the links below.
All early years settings: Poster about the changes (pdf, 317KB).
Childminders: Information sheet about the changes (pdf, 873KB).
Group and school-based settings: Information sheet about the changes (pdf, 844KB).
Find further support
You may also find it helpful to contact your local authority or support groups to find out what advice they can offer on the changes.
The consultation outcome can be found on the Early years foundation stage (EYFS): regulatory changes page.