All early years providers must ensure that staff hold appropriate qualifications relevant to their roles. This includes a requirement for staff to hold a valid paediatric first aid qualification where required by the EYFS.
Guidance and resources
Early years managers should use the following guidance and resources to support compliance:
Check early years qualifications
The Department for Education's Check an early years qualification service enables managers to confirm whether staff qualifications meet the requirements for staff-to-child ratios in England
Qualification requirements for ratios
The Department for Education defines which qualifications are recognised for inclusion in EYFS staff-to-child ratios
EYFS Framework requirements
Providers should refer to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework to ensure:
- Mandatory training is in place
- Training is renewed within required timescales
- Staff in designated roles access appropriate professional development opportunities
Qualifications gained outside the UK
Guidance is available to support employers in checking whether overseas qualifications meet EYFS requirements.
Recruitment and workforce management
Further information is available to support providers with recruiting, deploying and managing early years staff effectively.
Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship
This fully funded, work-based programme supports practitioners working with children aged 0–5 to develop the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours required for effective early years practice. It enables staff to learn in role while contributing directly to the day-to-day provision within a setting.
You can access guidance and provider details at:
Additional support
Further information is available at: