The government has recently announced an immediate reform to the exit requirements for adult apprenticeships (19+). As part of this change, the mandatory requirement to pass Functional Skills tests in English and maths has been removed. While this may sound like a significant shift, it’s important to remember that for those working in Early Years settings, certain requirements are still very much in place to ensure high-quality care and education. 

At Shaping Lives, we’re committed to supporting apprentices, employers, and the entire early childhood education sector through these changes, and we want to make sure you’re clear on what’s required moving forward. 

Key Requirements for Early Years Staff 

While apprentices no longer need to pass English and maths exams to complete their apprenticeship, there are key qualifications that remain essential for those working in Early Years settings: 

• English Functional Skills & Staffing Ratios – To be counted in the staff-to-child ratios as a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator, apprentices must have an English Functional Skills qualification (or an equivalent). This is a requirement that cannot be overlooked, as without this qualification, apprentices may not be included in the required staffing numbers once they’ve completed their training. 

• Maths Requirement for Setting Managers – As of 4 January 2024, all setting managers appointed must hold a suitable Level 2 maths qualification or be committed to achieving one within two years of starting the role. Encouraging your apprentices to continue developing their maths skills will not only help them meet this requirement but will also support their growth into leadership roles within your setting. 

What Does This Mean for You as an Employer? 

For nursery managers and employers, it’s important to stay on top of these changes and how they affect your staffing and workforce planning. Here’s what the new rules mean for your business: 

• Staffing & Compliance – Ensuring your apprentices achieve their English Functional Skills qualification is crucial for maintaining staffing ratios in your setting. Apprentices who lack this qualification may not count towards the required staff numbers, which could impact your ability to meet regulatory requirements. 

• Future-Proofing Leadership Roles – The changes to the maths requirement for setting managers also mean that encouraging your apprentices to continue their maths studies will help prepare them for future leadership opportunities. Apprentices who go on to work as setting managers will need to meet the maths requirement within two years, so investing in their development now sets them up for future success. 

• Ongoing Support – We’re here to support you and your apprentices in meeting these requirements. Our experienced team will work with you to ensure that apprentices can achieve their qualifications without unnecessary pressure, giving them the confidence and skills to succeed in their current role and progress their career. 

Why English Functional Skills Still Matter for Your Apprentices 

For your apprentices, the removal of the exit exam requirement doesn’t mean that English skills are any less important. In fact, English remains a vital part of their role and future career progression: 

• Essential for Your Role – To be counted in staff ratios, apprentices must hold an English Functional Skills qualification (or equivalent). Without this, they may not be eligible to work within the required staffing levels, which could limit their employability in Early Years settings. 

• Career Progression & Confidence – English skills are key to success in the Early Years sector. Whether it’s writing observations, engaging with parents, or communicating with colleagues, strong English skills will help apprentices feel more confident and excel in their roles. They’ll also be better equipped to progress to higher-level positions in the future. 

• Ongoing Support – We’re here to guide your apprentices through this process. We understand that balancing your studies and work can be challenging, so we offer tailored support to help them achieve their English qualification with no added pressure. Your apprentices are capable of amazing things, and we’re committed to helping them succeed. 

Refocusing on Lifelong Skills for Success 

Even though apprentices no longer need to pass formal exams in English and maths to complete their apprenticeship, we still believe these skills are absolutely crucial. Strong communication, numeracy, and problem-solving abilities form the bedrock of success in any workplace. They empower apprentices to connect with colleagues, manage their responsibilities with ease, and tackle new challenges as they move forward in their careers. 

At Shaping Lives, we’re more committed than ever to helping our apprentices build these essential skills. The removal of the exit exam requirements doesn’t change the fact that we place huge value on developing these abilities. We’re dedicated to providing high-quality, personalised training that ensures our apprentices are set up for long-term success—both in their roles and their futures. 

Long-Term Impact of Strong English and Maths Skills 

Although passing the exit exam is no longer a requirement, the importance of strong English and maths skills goes far beyond the apprenticeship itself. Mastering these skills not only boosts employability and confidence but also opens the door to further learning and career opportunities. 

Our mission is clear: we’re here to equip apprentices with the tools they need to thrive in their current roles and grow into capable, adaptable professionals who can take on new challenges with confidence. The journey doesn’t stop with the apprenticeship—it’s just the beginning. 

We’re also thrilled to share that we’ve been nominated for the ATA Awards, recognising our exceptional delivery of Functional Skills. This nomination is a testament to our commitment to providing training that makes a real difference in the lives of our apprentices, helping them unlock their full potential. 

Next Steps for Your Apprentices 

Your dedicated Account Manager will be in touch over the next two weeks to discuss the next steps with you and your apprentices. If you have any questions about how these changes may affect your apprentices or your setting, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 

At Shaping Lives, we’re passionate about supporting both apprentices and employers to thrive in the Early Years sector. This reform opens new pathways for success, and we’re excited to continue guiding your apprentices on their lifelong learning journey. 

Contact Us:
For more information or to discuss how we can support your apprentices, get in touch at support@shapinglives.com.