Training and development for early years and childcare providers

Early years qualification requirements

All early years providers caring for children from birth to five must meet the requirements of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Providers are responsible for ensuring that staff have the appropriate qualifications, skills and training, including paediatric first aid where required. 

The Department for Education (DfE) sets the qualification requirements for staff who are included in the statutory staff-to-child ratios.

Check an early years qualification

Managers and practitioners can use the free Check an Early Years Qualification digital service to confirm whether a UK early years qualification:

• Is recognised as full and relevant by the DfE
• Meets the requirements for staff-to-child ratios in England
• Allows the qualification holder to count at level 2, 3 or 6

The service asks for key information, including:

• Where the qualification was awarded
• The course start date
• The date the qualification was awarded
• The qualification level
• The awarding organisation/body

At the end of the check, the service provides a clear summary that can be saved or printed for your records

Benefits of using the service

Using the digital qualification checker can:

• Save time during recruitment 
• Support effective workforce planning
• Reduce uncertainty when checking qualifications
• Provide a clear record of the outcome

Qualifications gained outside the UK

If you gained an early years qualification outside the UK and want to work in an early years setting and childcare in England, you may need to have your qualification assessed.

You may also need to provide supporting evidence or meet additional requirements before your qualification can be recognised for inclusion in staff-to-child ratios. 

Find out how to apply for recognition of an overseas qualification. 

You can also apply to UK ENIC for a Statement of Comparability, which compares international qualifications with the UK education system.