Changes to the EYFS framework: January 2024

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:

• providers can operate successfully

• practitioners can focus on providing children in their care with a high-quality early education

• 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:

• one for childminders

• 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.