The Government has taken the decision to reinstate Functional Skills as an alternative qualification for the Level 3 Early Years Educator. The decision came after the GCSE only policy has caused a growing recruitment crisis within the sector since it was introduced in 2014.

The new Level 3 qualification requirements will come into force from 3rd April 2017 at the same time as the new Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

The new policy means that nursery staff qualifying at Level 3 EYE will be allowed to count in staff:child ratios with any suitable Level 2 English and Maths qualification, including Functional Skills as well as GCSE's.