EYFS 2026 Updates
The Department of Education (DfE) has published updated versions of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework, due to come into effect in September 2026. You must be aware of these updates and follow the changes to meet their legislative requirements. In this blog, we will be discussing the key updates in the EYFS statutory framework for group and school-based providers.
Safer Sleep
On the 20th of April 2026, the Department for Education, in collaboration with the Lullaby Trust, published updated safe sleep guidance. The updated guidance now forms part of the EYFS and applies to all early years settings.
From September 2026, place children down to sleep safely in line with the updated guidance. The changes are as follows:
Babies under 6 months:
- An adult must be in the same room with them for every sleep.
Babies under 12 months:
- Must only be placed to sleep in a cot.
Children under 2 years old:
- Placed down on their back in their own separate sleep space on a firm, flat surface such as a cot, bed or mattress on the floor.
Keep sleep spaces free from anything except a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and lightweight bedding. Tuck lightweight bedding securely below the child’s shoulders to reduce the risk of head covering. You can use a well-fitted baby sleep bag, provided you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you use blankets, place children in the feet-to-foot position. Tuck all blankets in securely.
Keep cots free from additional items such as toys, pillows, extra blankets, cot bumpers, wedges, or straps.
Keep children at a comfortable temperature; the recommended room temperature for babies being between 16°C and 20°C.
Never cover a child’s head during sleep. At all times, children must remain within the sight and hearing of staff while sleeping and should be checked regularly.
You and fellow practitioners must read NHS advice on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and are recommended to read the guidance published by The Lullaby Trust.
Screen Use
The framework states that providers must have regard to the following guidance on children’s screen use in early years settings: help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/screen-use
Sector specialists, including the Digital Standards Early Years Action Group and the Early Years Screen Time Advisory Group, developed this guidance to expand on the recommendations published in March 2026.
Avoid using screens with children under the age of two. For children aged two to five, limit screen use carefully to ensure it’s purposeful and linked to a clear educational or developmental objective.
In addition, it also makes it clear that screens should not be used as a form of passive entertainment or as a tool for behaviour management. When technology is used, you should consider the quality and appropriateness of the content. Are you actively engaging with children during its use? Does it provide meaningful value to children’s learning and development?
The updated framework does not stop you from using technology. Instead, it expects you to use it intentionally.
Banned Dog Breeds
Do not keep banned dog breeds, including XL Bully types, in your setting or allow them onto the premises: legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/65/contents
Enhanced Expectations for Safer Eating and Weaning
Our revised EYFS introduces more detailed requirements relating to safer eating practices, choking prevention and the weaning process. You must maintain regular communication with parents to ensure they have an up-to-date understanding of each child’s stage of development with solid foods, including the textures they can safely manage. The framework emphasises that decisions about food should be based on a child’s individual developmental stage rather than assumptions linked to their age.
Prepare and present food in a way that meets each child’s individual needs and abilities. Always keep children within sight and hearing during mealtimes. Wherever possible, position yourself so you face the children while they eat so you can quickly identify signs of choking, food sharing or any unexpected allergic reactions. These requirements are particularly significant in baby and toddler rooms, where children may be at varying stages of weaning, chewing and swallowing development.
Safeguarding Clarifications in the EYFS
From September 2026, the framework introduces updated safeguarding terminology and strengthens expectations around safeguarding practice. The changes clarify reporting procedures, reinforce the responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and remind staff to remain alert to signs and indicators that may affect a child’s welfare. The framework also includes minor amendments to early years qualification requirements and standards.
Preparing for September 2026
Your setting should review and update all relevant policies and procedures, including those relating to safer sleep and the use of technology.
As part of ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD), all staff should be supported to understand the revised requirements and how they apply to both the setting and their day-to-day practice.
Risk assessments should be reviewed and updated to reflect the changes introduced by the framework.
Useful Links
Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework: gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework–2
Guidance on children’s screen use in early years settings: help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/screen-use
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/65/contents
NHS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids/
The Lullaby Trust: lullabytrust.org.uk/
Early Years Blogs: showcasetraining.co.uk/early-years/