Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether nurseries linked to free schools will be allowed to employ unqualified staff.

All nursery provision, including that provided by Free Schools, is subject to the requirements set out in the statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Nursery provision that is part of a Free School must meet the needs of all children and ensure their safety. The staff qualification requirements and adult to child ratios for all providers are set out in paragraphs 3.28 to 3.39 of the EYFS Framework which is attached.

Providing other staff hold the necessary qualifications as set out in the EYFS, Free Schools (as can all early years providers) may employ unqualified staff as part of their staffing mix.