One third of managers said they are either not interested in obtaining EYP status or not currently considering it, in a survey carried out by equipment supplier The Consortium for Nursery World.
Around 500 settings were sent the questionnaire and more than 100 managers responded.
It revealed that 70 per cent of respondents thought the EYFS would lead to better standards, with only 6 per cent believing it would not add value to the profession. The remainder of those surveyed said they had no strong views either way on the value of the EYFS or had not received sufficient information to make a judgement.
Brian Potter, marketing and sales director of The Consortium, said, 'The message coming across from the people on the "front line" seems to be that the general principle of EYFS is a good one that would bring substantial benefits.'
Nearly one in five - 18 per cent - of respondents said they had already started or completed training to gain EYP status, and 16 per cent have the relevant entry requirements and may take it up.
A further 20 per cent said that they were considering it but needed to upgrade their qualifications before they could start.
But more than 50 per cent believed the EYP entry requirements were unfair and did not take account of experience. Only a quarter believed them to be fair.
There was also confusion about which qualifications were relevant.
Mr Potter said, 'There seems to be a feeling that too much weight is being attached to strict criteria, at the expense of experience.'
He added, 'There are obviously many people within the profession who are concerned that years of experience will not be given due credit under the new regime, and in fact one professional who completed our survey even expressed the fear that experienced managers and leaders will leave the profession as a result.'
Only 8 per cent of managers said that they would definitely be increasing staff-child ratios to meet new observation requirements, while 22 per cent were unsure.
Just over half - 54 per cent - did not see any problems in meeting the requirement, while 14 per cent said they would like to increase staff numbers but did not have sufficient funds.
About one third - 29 per cent - said they would be investing in additional equipment to meet the physical development early learning goals.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Early Years at The Consortium, www.earlyyears.co.uk.