How you make an application for recognition of non-UK qualifications
Updated 20 March 2025
漏 Crown copyright 2025
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected].
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at /government/publications/early-years-qualifications-achieved-outside-england/how-you-make-an-application-for-recognition-of-overseas-qualifications
Individuals who hold qualifications achieved outside the UK and wish to work within the staff:child ratios in an early years setting in England have 3 options available to them.
Apply for an Early Years Statement
Early Years Statements are issued by Ecctis, an independent company that provides a non-UK early years qualification recognition service on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE).
Recognition is granted where qualifications are comparable in scope, content, and level to the early years criteria as set by DfE.
To apply for a statement visit the and follow the guidance. You may need to upload the relevant qualifications documents to support your application.
Apply for qualified teacher status (QTS)
If you hold a teaching qualification achieved outside the UK you may be able to apply for qualified teacher status (QTS).
This will allow you to be counted within level 3 or 6 staff:child ratios in an early years setting in England.
Take the experience-based route (EBR)
Existing early years staff without an approved qualification may be eligible to take the DfE experience-based route (EBR) for early years staff, which offers the opportunity to gain status to work within the staff:child ratios at level 3.聽
Talk to your employer if you would like to take this route and think you may be eligible.
Choosing the right option
You should consider which route is most suitable for your circumstances:
- the EBR is a status, not a qualification, and is not automatically transferable between settings
- Ecctis non-UK qualification recognition and QTS are transferable between settings