The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework for England sets standards that school and childcare providers must meet and covers children from birth to five years old. It consists of two statutory frameworks:
- EYFS statutory framework for childminders
- EYFS statutory framework for group and school-based providers
After a long development period updated versions of these documents went live on 1st September 2025 meaning that from that date all schools, settings, and childminders in England have a legal obligation to comply.
A key area for changes across both frameworks is safeguarding; and this is an area that I have heard some providers expressing concern over. If you’d like guidance on implementing these changes, I’m here to help, but here is a summary of the main changes in this area:
Safer recruitment
- There are new expectations around providing references for all staff/assistants.
- There is a requirement to obtain references before appointment.
- Safeguarding policies must include procedures to ensure only suitable individuals are recruited.
Follow up absent children
- There is a new requirement to follow up if a child is absent for a prolonged period or if there is unexplained absence.
- Providers must hold additional emergency contact details for all children.
Training, supervision, and policies
A new Safeguarding Training Criteria annex sets out what good safeguarding training must include:
- Safeguarding policies must include how training is delivered and how practitioners are supported to implement it. Hurrah – those of you who have been on my trainings will know that I am passionate about high quality training! This is a real step towards this.
- There is a new requirement for whistleblowing procedures to be included.
- Considerations for privacy during toileting / nappy changing needs to be balanced with safeguarding oversight.
It may be that you run a setting which does not need to follow the requirements of the EYFS – for example you are an independent school – however, it is still good practice to follow these principles as far as you can!