The government has launched its 'Space Requirements in Early Years Childcare Settings' consultation, which is open until Friday 11 July. They are seeking views on whether to introduce flexibility into the EYFS by allowing free-flow outdoor space to count towards indoor space requirements. This may include a cap on the number of additional places providers can offer. Feedback is also being sought on the proposed definition of “free-flow.”

Early years providers have previously expressed a desire for these rules to be updated. To meet the forecasted demand for expanded entitlements, an estimated 60,000 new places will be needed between September 2024 and September 2025. One of the main barriers to expansion is the availability of physical space.

In the Department for Education’s Pulse surveys, 70% of childcare and early years providers who responded said they would make better use of their outdoor space if greater flexibility were introduced.

More information and consultation