Guidance

Early years qualifications achieved in the UK

Lists of qualifications that meet DfE'sDepartment for Education (DfE) criteria for counting in the early years foundation stage framework staff:child ratios.

Documents

Details

This checklist of early years qualifications achieved in the UK details:

  • all full and relevant qualifications accepted by the Department for Education (DfE) to work in an early years setting
  • common qualifications that are not accepted

For information on non-UK qualifications, refer to the guidance on early years qualifications achieved outside the UK guidance.

If you have further queries, contact Ecctis. Information on the guidance Ecctis is able to provide can be found on its website.

If you contacted the DfE early years workforce team before 5 September 2022, you do not need to contact Ecctis.

Updates to this page

Published 10 February 2022
Last updated 318 March 2025 + show all updates
    1. Updated in line with minor clarification edits to the Early years qualification requirements and standards document that comes into force on 3 March. This includes bringing the Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh qualifications currently reflected in that document over to the Early Years Qualifications List. Also added a newly-approved qualification to be delivered from September 2025.

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