Updated EYFS Safeguarding Requirements from September 2026
Published: Monday, 3 August 2026
Updated EYFS Safeguarding Requirements from September 2026
New EYFS frameworks for childminders, group providers, and school-based providers will come into effect from 1 September 2026. These updates introduce strengthened safeguarding measures designed to further enhance the protection and wellbeing of children in early years settings.
The changes reflect an ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding.
Both EYFS frameworks include updates which:
- Bring explicit wording on the safer sleep requirements into the main body of the EYFS, so that providers do not need to refer out to separate guidance.
- Prohibit the provision of registered childcare from any premises where a banned dog breed is kept or is otherwise present.
- Require providers to inform Ofsted or their childminder agency (CMA) of allegations of ‘harm’ (instead of ‘serious harm’) by anyone living, working, or looking after children at the premises.
- Require enhanced criminal records checks for volunteers (including those who are supervised) and prevent new employees from commencing employment before receiving their check.
- Amend the requirements for what providers must tell staff they have to disclose, as part of information that may affect their suitability to work with children.
- Have regard to screen use guidance for early years settings ((published 13 July 2026), developed with input from early years and digital sector experts.
Useful Resources:
- Early Years Inspection Toolkit-Early years inspection: toolkit, operating guide and information - GOV.UK
- EYFS-Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - GOV.UK
- Regulated activity with Children- Regulated activity with children in England and Wales - GOV.UK
- DFE Help For Early Years- Help for early years providers: Resources and posters
- Early Years Qualification- Early years qualification requirements and standards - GOV.UK
- NHS Advice on safer sleep practices sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - NHS–
- Lullaby Trust (safer sleep guidance) The Lullaby Trust
Guidance for parents and carers on screen use: Baby and toddler screen time guidance - Best Start in Life
