The national minimum wage for apprentices will rise again in April.

Please click on the below link for more information:https://feweek.co.uk/2017/11/22/budget-2017-inflation-busting-apprentice-minimum-wage-rise/

Great news, the government have done a U turn with regard to GCSE’s needed for the EYE qualfication.
The Department for Education has confirmed that learners do not need to have GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths, but will be required to hold an equivalent level 2 qualification.
This change will come in to effect on the 03 April 2017, when the revised EYFS Framework is put into place.
The change will apply to all practitioners, so this will include those that have already qualified as Early Years Educators, those who are currently studying and those which will qualify in the future.

Please see the below links for further information:
The consultation response: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/596145/Impact_Assessment_Publication.pdf

The Workforce Strategy: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/596239/Early_years_workforce_strategy_02-03-2017.pdf

The revised Early Years Foundation Stage Framework which was published on the 03 March 2017, comes in to force on the 03 April 2017.

Click on this link to view the new framework https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework–2

The Government has announced that from 1 September 2016, all newly qualified early years staff (with full and relevant level 2 or level 3 childcare qualifications) will be required to hold a current Paediatric First Aid (PFA) or emergency PFA certificate in order to be included in the required staff:child ratios in an early years setting. Staff will be given a three month ‘grace’ period to complete PFA training after starting work with a new employer.

Liz Bayram, Chief Executive of PACEY, said:

“This is fantastic news for the sector and for all children in early years settings and their families. PACEY has been working alongside others in the sector to call for the requirements for Paediatric First Aid (PFA) training in group settings to match childminding settings, where all childminders and their assistants must hold a full PFA certificate. A recent member survey found that 94% of PACEY members were in favour of more first aid trained staff in group settings. The tragic Millie Thompson case in 2012 brought into sharp focus the fact that paediatric first aid training can mean the difference between the life and death of a child. We are delighted that government has listened and made this change that could ultimately save a child’s life.”

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/paediatric-first-aid-eyfs-statutory-framework-amendments