From September 2025, all Early Years settings and providers must follow the updated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework. The EYFS is the statutory framework in England that sets the standards for learning, development, and care for children from birth to 5 years old. The primary focus of the update is to strengthen safeguarding practices.

The Department for Education (DfE) regularly reviews safeguarding standards in early years settings to ensure they remain strong and effective. A consultation held from 22 April to 17 June 2024 received 1,470 responses, showing strong support for all proposed EYFS changes. Respondents agreed these updates will improve children’s safety and reflect best practice. Many early years providers already follow these approaches, and the new reforms will formalise this good practice, ensuring all staff have the knowledge and support needed to deliver safe, high-quality care and education.

Here is a breakdown of the changes:

Safer Recruitment

Early years settings will need to have procedures in place to check the suitability of new staff. This includes obtaining direct and authoritative references, checking employment history and verifying safeguarding concerns. Safeguarding policies must outline suitability checks and referencing procedures.

Safeguarding Training

A new Annex, Annex C, will outline criteria for safeguarding training covering areas like recognising abuse, safe practices, and reporting routes. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) must receive enhanced training (covering local procedures, online safety, staff allegations, etc.), with training updated at least every two years.

Child Absence

Early years settings must act promptly on unexplained or prolonged child absences. This includes contacting parents, emergency contacts or escalating to police and social services if necessary. Every child must have at least two emergency contact numbers. Attendance policies must clearly outline reporting and follow-up procedures.

Paediatric First Aid

Students and apprentices, aged 16 or over, can be included in ratios at the level below their study if they hold a valid and current Paediatric First Aid (PFA) qualification and are deemed competent. Settings are required to find trusted and reputable paediatric first aid training providers.

Meal Times and Safer Eating

During meal times, a qualified paediatric first aider must be present, with strict supervision and seating protocols to prevent choking. Providers must record details of choking incidents, review them regularly, and take appropriate action. Detailed dietary, allergy, and intolerance information must be recorded and shared, and staff should be trained to identify symptoms and administer action plans. Settings must have regard to the updated government nutrition guidance, balancing meals to be healthy, balanced, and developmentally appropriate.

Toileting

Early years settings must respect privacy and have a discreet area for nappy-changing and toileting. There should be a one‑child-at-a-time routine.

Whistleblowing

Providers must have clear procedures in place for staff to report concerns about safeguarding without fear of reprisal. Policies must explain how staff can raise concerns internally, as well as through external channels like the NSPCC helpline, Ofsted, or government guidance.

What settings should do now:

• Update recruitment and safeguarding policies to reflect new reference checks and DSL role.
• Revise absence and attendance procedures, ensuring multiple emergency contacts.
• Review training records and plan Annex C safeguarding training refreshers.
• Verify PFA certifications for trainees and staff.
• Implement new nutrition guidance and allergy protocols.
• Establish clear whistleblowing channels in documentation and for staff awareness.