Space requirements in early years childcare settings in England

Closed 11 Jul 2025

Opened 12 May 2025

Contact

EYFSspace.consultation@education.gov.uk

EYFSspace.consultation@education.gov.uk

Overview

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

Why your views matter

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, which is in addition to other initiatives planned to increase places by September 2025.

Audiences

  • Adoptive parents
  • Bodies representing schools and local authorities
  • Contractors involved in building schools
  • Early learning and childcare providers
  • Employers
  • Foster carers
  • Government bodies and departments
  • Governors
  • Headteachers
  • Local authorities
  • Parents
  • Pupils
  • School support staff
  • SENCOs
  • Teachers
  • Training providers
  • Unions and representative organisations
  • Young people

Interests

  • Disabled children
  • Early learning and childcare
  • Early years foundation stage
  • Keeping children safe in education and other settings