Guidance

Exemptions from the EYFS for providers and individual children

What early years settings must do to apply for an exemption from the early years foundation stage (EYFS).

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This guidance explains when exemptions to the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework apply.

We can grant exemptions against the learning and development and assessment requirements of the EYFS for:

  • registered independent schools
  • providers with established principles in conflict with the EYFS
  • individual children when their family has religious or philosophical beliefs that cannot be reconciled with the EYFS

This guidance outlines the conditions which must be met for individual and provider exemptions to be granted and how the different processes work.

Updates to this page

Published 9 October 2023

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