Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support her Department provides to nursery managers seeking to use Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices more flexibly to meet local childcare demand.

The department offers a variety of qualification pathways to support individuals to gain the vital skills they need to work in an early years setting, including apprenticeships at levels 2, 3, 5 and 6. Apprentices play a vital role in our early years workforce, enabling children up and down the country to have the best start in life.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework enables early years providers to count apprentices, aged 16 or over, in ratios at the level below their level of study, if the provider is satisfied they are suitable, competent and responsible, and that they hold a valid and current paediatric first aid qualification. For example, an apprentice working towards their level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship may be included in the ratios at level 2.

It is right that providers hold the important role of ensuring that all staff members are suitable and have the skills and training they need to execute their roles. Setting managers are the ones who know their children and staff best. Supporting guidance on suitability of staff is available for providers in the EYFS.