To support early years providers during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government temporarily disapplied and modified certain elements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
Government has this week made minor updates to the EYFS disapplications guidance. This update is to:
- Link to the current version of Ofsted’s early years inspection handbook, published on 28 June 2021, for inspections taking place from 1 September 2021.
- Clarify that the period in which the EYFS disapplications can be used ends on 31 August 2021.
- Clarify that if government restrictions and requirements are lifted before 31 August 2021, the disapplications can no longer be used as the necessary conditions for using them will no longer be met.
Early years providers should also continue to follow Government’s COVID-19 guidance for early years providers, which includes guidance on the existing flexibilities that exist within the EYFS with regard to staffing ratios.
If you would like to share your views on the disapplications and whether you have used them over the past eighteen months, for example with regard to Paediatric First Aid certificates or to respond to members of staff needing to self-isolate, please email us at foundationyears@ncb.org.uk.