This check list of early years qualifications achieved in the United Kingdom details all full and relevant qualifications accepted by the Department for Education (DfE) to work in an early years setting, as well as common qualifications that are not accepted.
This accompanying guidance includes further information on qualifications achieved in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland:
started before 1 September 2014
started after 1 September 2014
at level 2 and 3
in special educational needs and disability (SEND)
If you contacted the DfE early years workforce team prior to 5 September 2022, you do not need to contact Ecctis.
Published 10 February 2022 Last updated 27 April 2023 +show all updates
The 'Early years qualifications achieved in United Kingdom check list' was updated.
'Early years qualifications achieved in United Kingdom check list' and 'Qualifications achieved in the United Kingdom' have been updated.
'Early years qualifications achieved in United Kingdom check list' has been updated. Added degrees and honours degrees at level 6 offered by various awarding organisations and updated the 'notes/additional requirements' for 'BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies' offered by various awarding organisations in the tab 'Full and relevant qualifications list post 1 September 2014'.
'Qualifications achieved in the United Kingdom' has been updated with information for 'Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish qualifications'.
Updated the 'Early years qualifications achieved in England check list'. Added one Level 5 Diploma offered by Crossfields Institute to the tab 'Full and relevant qualifications list post 1 September 2014'.
Updated the 'Early years qualifications achieved in England check list'. Added 2 new foundation degrees offered by Kingston University to the tab 'Full and relevant qualifications list post 1 September 2014'.
Updated 'Early years qualifications achieved in England check list' spreadsheet to add a new foundation degree in early childhood studies offered jointly by the University Centre Peterborough and the Open University to the tab 'Full and Relevant Qualifications achieved post 1 September 2014'.
We have updated the 'Early years qualifications achieved in England check list' spreadsheet.
