Open consultation

Space requirements in early years childcare settings in England

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 12 May 2025

Applies to England

Summary

We are seeking views on options for amending the indoor space requirements in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory frameworks.

This consultation is being held on another website.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 11 July 2025

Consultation description

The expansion of funded childcare for working parents is supporting families and helping parents to enter work or increase their hours.

To meet demand for the expanded entitlements, additional childcare places are required. However, one of the barriers to expanding childcare provision is the indoor space requirements in the EYFS frameworks.

Therefore, we are consulting on potential options for amending the EYFS indoor space requirements. This is in addition to other initiatives planned to increase places by September 2025.

Published 12 May 2025