EYFS disapplications due to end on 31 August
By Rachel Lawler
The Department for Education (DfE) has that the EYFS disapplications, brought in during the Covid-19 pandemic, will end on 31 August.
The DfE also clarified that the changes could come to an end sooner if restrictions are lifted before 31 August 2021.
Recruitment crisis
While the DfE acknowledged ongoing issues recruiting level 3 qualified staff, it stated that the disapplications could not be used to help mitigate these concerns as 鈥渢hey were not intended or designed to be used in this way鈥.
However, it said that it was working with the sector to 鈥渇ully understand the scale of the challenge鈥 in the coming months.
The DfE also noted that the EYFS has existing flexibilities on staffing ratios in 鈥渆xceptional circumstances鈥 and clarified that it considers Covid-19 to be a exceptional, temporary circumstance which allowed for ratios to be changed 鈥渋f necessary鈥.
Ofsted update
Ofsted has also shared an updated for inspections taking place from 1 September. The updates include:
- changes on the EYFS disapplications
- changes to reflect the EYFS reforms, due to come into place in September
- a new section dispelling myths that result in unnecessary workload for providers
- changes to grade descriptors
Find out more