Qualifications achieved outside the United Kingdom

This service does not provide guidance on qualifications that were achieved outside the United Kingdom (UK).  

Someone who holds an early years qualification awarded outside the UK will need to apply for an Early Years Statement (opens in new tab) before they can be counted as a qualified member of staff in the staff:child ratios at levels 2 or 3.  

The person can work as an unqualified staff member if they meet all other requirements as set out in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework (opens in new tab).

How to apply for an Early Years Statement 

Early Years Statements are issued by the Ecctis Early Years Service. Ecctis is an independent company that provides a non-UK early years qualification recognition service on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE). 

To apply for an Early Years Statement from the Ecctis Early Years Service, the qualification holder should visit the Ecctis website (opens in new tab) and follow the guidance there, including uploading the required qualification documentation.

Users should apply to the Early Years Statement service instead of Ecctis’ separate Statement of Comparability (SoC) service. The SoC provides a broad comparison against UK qualification framework levels, whereas the Early Years Statement provides a full assessment of whether the qualification meets the early years-specific qualification criteria, and whether the qualification holder can therefore work within staff:child ratios in early years settings in England.

Teaching qualifications achieved outside the UK

People who hold a teaching qualification achieved outside the UK may be able to apply for qualified teacher status (QTS) by using the Apply for qualified teacher status in England (opens in new tab) professional recognition service.  

Consider the experience-based route (EBR)

Alternatively, individuals may be eligible to undertake the Department for Education’s experience-based route (EBR), which allows suitable early years staff without an approved qualification the opportunity to gain status to work within the staff:child ratios at level 3. 

Further details about the eligibility criteria for the EBR are available in the supporting guidance (opens in new tab). The person should consult directly with their employer if they would like to undertake this route and believe they may be eligible. 

Please note that the EBR is a status, not a qualification, and is not automatically transferable between settings, whereas the Ecctis overseas qualification recognition route is transferable between settings. Individuals should take this into consideration when deciding which route is most suitable for their circumstances.