The term EYFS stands for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

It refers to the framework that sets the standards for learning, development, and care for children from birth to age five in England.

If you're looking to start a career in early years education or childcare, it's essential to understand what EYFS is, why it exists, and how it affects both practitioners and children.

📚 What Exactly Is the EYFS?

The EYFS is a statutory framework introduced by the UK government to ensure all early years providers — including nurseries, pre-schools, and reception classes — deliver consistent and high-quality care and education.

View the official EYFS framework

It covers:

• Communication and language
• Physical development
• Personal, social, and emotional development
• Literacy and mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Expressive arts and design

This means it’s not just about play — it’s about helping children reach important developmental milestones before they start formal schooling in Year 1.

🧑‍🏫 Who Needs to Follow the EYFS Framework?

Anyone working in a registered early years setting in England must follow the EYFS framework.

Learn more about early years registration requirements

This includes childminders, nursery staff, and teachers in reception classes.

The framework ensures that children are safe, well cared for, and learning in a structured way, no matter where they are being looked after.

🧾 Is EYFS a Qualification?

No — EYFS is not a qualification itself.

It’s a framework that early years professionals are required to work within.

However, if you want to work in early years education, you’ll usually need a regulated qualification that shows you understand and can apply the EYFS principles.

🎓 Which Qualification Should You Start With?

If you’re looking for an entry point into this field, the best place to begin is the:

👉 Level 2 Certificate in Children and Young People’s Workforce

This qualification introduces you to the basics of working with children, including how to support their development, safeguard their wellbeing, and apply EYFS principles in practice.

It can lead to assistant roles in nurseries, pre-schools, or primary school reception classes.

View Course Details →

📘 What About Level 1 Courses?

If you're not quite ready for a Level 2 qualification, you may be considering a Level 1 course. At Study from Home, we do offer Level 1 childcare courses that can be a gentle introduction to the subject.

However, it’s important to understand what Level 1 does — and doesn’t — do for your career. To help you decide whether it’s the right place to begin, we recommend reading this article:

👉 Is Level 1 Childcare Worth It?

⚖️ Is Working in Early Years Regulated?

Yes — early years settings in England are regulated environments.

This means a certain percentage of staff in each setting must hold an approved early years qualification.

Understanding which qualifications are accepted — and which aren’t — is crucial. For more information on this, we’ve created a helpful breakdown:

👉 What qualifications do you need to work in a nursery or early years setting in England?

✅ Summary

• EYFS stands for Early Years Foundation Stage — a statutory framework in England.
• It applies to all registered childcare providers working with 0–5 year olds.
• While EYFS is not a qualification, understanding it is essential for working in early years roles.
• The Level 2 Certificate in Children and Young People’s Workforce is a great place to begin if you're looking to start a career in this field.