From 1 September 2025, the Department for Education will introduce statutory safeguarding reforms to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. These updates follow a sector-wide consultation in 2024, which drew strong support for clearer, more consistent safeguarding practices. The changes aim to formalise best practice and enhance child safety across all early years settings.

Key changes to prepare for

1. Safer recruitment

• Providers must obtain references before employment, not before interviews.
• References must be from legitimate sources and include any substantiated safeguarding concerns.
• Safeguarding policies must now include recruitment procedures.

2. Child absence monitoring

• Providers must follow up on unexplained or prolonged absences.
• An attendance policy must be shared with parents, outlining expectations and follow-up actions.
• Settings should aim to hold more than two emergency contacts per child, with flexibility for families where this may be difficult.

3. Designated safeguarding lead (DSL)

• The term ‘lead practitioner’ will be replaced with ‘designated safeguarding lead (DSL)’ to align with school terminology.
• DSLs must liaise with local safeguarding partners and support staff on safeguarding matters.

4. Safeguarding training

• All practitioners must undertake training aligned with the new Annex C criteria.
• Training must be renewed every two years, with optional annual refreshers.
• DSL training must now include internet safety.

5. Policy updates

• Safeguarding policies must detail how training is delivered and how staff are supported to implement it.

6. Paediatric first aid (PFA)

• Students, volunteers, and apprentices must hold a valid PFA certificate to be counted in staff:child ratios.
• Providers have flexibility in choosing PFA training providers, with updated guidance provided.

7. Safer eating practices

• A PFA-trained staff member must be present during mealtimes.
• Providers must manage allergies and choking risks with clear procedures and staff awareness.
• Food preparation must be tailored to each child’s developmental stage.

8. Toileting and privacy

• Providers must balance children’s privacy with safeguarding during nappy changing and toileting.
• Lone workers (e.g., childminders) may use privacy screens or other methods to meet this requirement.

9. Whistleblowing procedures

• Settings must have clear whistleblowing policies, including how concerns are raised and handled.
• Staff must be aware of external channels such as the NSPCC advice line and Ofsted complaints procedures.

Next steps for providers

The reforms will legally come into force on 1 September 2025, and so providers should action updating relevant policies, staff training and communicate the changes to families now, if they have not done so already. 

For support or guidance regarding the changes, please contact our regulatory team.