09 Apr What Does the New Experience-Based Route for Early Years Practitioners Mean?
The Department for Education (DfE) has introduced the Experience-Based Route (EBR). This method has come about to help recognise and confirm the knowledge of workers already working in childcare. The hope is to reduce staffing problems and raise the quality of childcare in the country.
What is the Experience-Based Route
The EBR offers a non-traditional way for early years workers to attain approved status. This will enable them to be included in staff-to-child ratios at Level 3 without pursuing conventional Level 3 qualifications. This approach recognises their practical skills and childcare knowledge,
Key Dates and Implementation Timeline
September 2025: Practitioners who have successfully completed the EBR can be counted in Level 3 staff-to-child ratios, following anticipated updates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
Eligibility Criteria for Practitioners
To qualify for the EBR, childcare workers must meet certain requirements:
Educational Background
They must have a relevant Level 2 qualification or a Level 3 (or higher) qualification pertinent to childcare.
Professional Experience
They must have at least one year of experience working with children aged 0-5.
Additional Certifications:
Hold a Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate and a Level 2 qualification in English.
The Process
The Experience-Based Route is a three-stage process:
Initial Assessment
Providers evaluate a practitioner’s existing capabilities against Level 3 Early Years Educator (EYE) criteria. Childcare workers must demonstrate proficiency in at least 50% of these criteria.
Supervised Practice
Then prospective candidates will have to perform between 751 and 900 hours of supervised practice within an early years setting This will focus on meeting the remaining EYE criteria.
An Assessment
After the hours of practice are fulfilled the childcare worker undergoes an evaluation. The evaluation is carried out to confirm that the person meets the Level 3 EYE criteria.
Information for Providers
Implementing EBR Standards
The Standard of Quality
The provider must maintain either a ‘Good’ or ‘outstanding rating.
The Quality of Staffing
The provider must also ensure that no more than 50% of Level 3 staff counted in ratios have achieved their status through the EBR.
Framework Compliance
Continue to perform in alignment with the EYFS statutory framework.
Sector Response and Future Outlook
The Experience-Based Route aims to enhance workforce stability and enrich learning outcomes for young children.
If you have any questions then please contact the Purple Dove team.
[image: charlesdeluvio, unsplash.com]