Early Years Census Changes for Summer 2026

The DfE has published the full scope of amendments to the Early Years Census for the 2026 to 2027 collection cycle. Two new staff-level identifiers (UnqualifiedStaff and SENCOStaff) and three new pupil-level fields (SENtype, SENtypeRank, and UPN) will be mandatory in the spring census. The EYSchoolRelationship field is narrowed in scope to apply only to on-site provision. Seven existing data items spanning contact information, setting types, operational indicators, and weekly opening times are removed entirely.\n\nEarly years providers, schools, and local authorities that submit Early Years Census data will need to update their data collection systems, forms, and processes before the summer 2026 collection period. Providers should confirm which of their census submissions use the affected fields and ensure their MIS or data systems can accommodate the new items and exclude the deleted ones. The spring census cycle carries the highest burden as it collects all new data items.