House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Early Years Update - Early Years Foundation Stage Safeguarding and Experience Based Routes
22 April 2024 · Department for Education
Proposed by David Johnston Con Wantage
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government launched a consultation to develop an experience-based route for early years staff.
- A consultation on changes to the EYFS safeguarding requirements was also initiated.
- Input is being sought from providers, health professionals, stakeholders, and experts.
Issue summary
The statement discusses the expansion of funded childcare in England and two related consultations on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): one on an experience-based route for early years staff and another on safeguarding requirements.
Action requested
The government launched a technical consultation to develop the experience-based route for early years staff and a consultation on changes to the EYFS safeguarding requirements, seeking input from providers, health professionals, stakeholders, and experts.
Key facts
- The new two-year-old entitlement has exceeded its target with over 195,000 children benefitting.
- By September 2025, all eligible parents will have access to 30 hours of free childcare for children aged 9 months until they start school.
- A technical consultation on the experience-based route was launched on 22 April.
- A safeguarding consultation related to EYFS statutory framework changes was also launched on 22 April.