The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2025 introduces key updates to safeguarding and welfare requirements, effective from September 2025. These changes aim to strengthen child protection, staff suitability checks, and health and safety practices in early years settings.
This guide outlines the revised requirements, practical steps for compliance, and real-world examples to help nursery owners and managers implement the changes effectively.
For a checklist you can use in your nursery, please check our post here.
1. New Safeguarding Policy Requirements
a) Safer Recruitment & Suitability Checks
What’s new?
- Settings must have a Safer Recruitment Policy (if employing staff).
- References must come from the applicant’s current employer, training provider, or education institution and be authorised by a senior person.
- New staff cannot work unsupervised or in ratio until Ofsted confirms suitability.
- If a staff member is dismissed for harming a child, a DBS referral is mandatory.
Actions for Compliance:
✔ Develop/update your Safer Recruitment Policy – Include steps for:
- Advertising roles (e.g., stating commitment to safeguarding).
- Conducting face-to-face interviews with safeguarding questions (e.g., “How would you respond if a child disclosed abuse?”).
- Verifying identity, qualifications, and work history (e.g., cross-checking gaps in employment).
- Obtaining two professional references (e.g., one from a previous childcare employer).
✔ Prevent unsupervised access – New staff should:
- Work shadowing experienced practitioners until Ofsted approval.
- Not be left alone with children until DBS and reference checks are complete.
✔ DBS referrals – If a staff member is dismissed due to safeguarding concerns:
- Example: A nursery assistant is found to have inappropriate contact with a child , report to the DBS and Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) immediately.
b) Whistleblowing Policy
What’s new?
- A written Whistleblowing Policy is now required.
- Staff must know how to report concerns about unsafe practice.
Actions for Compliance:
✔ Draft a clear Whistleblowing Policy – Include:
- Who to report to (e.g., manager, Ofsted, LADO).
- Protection for whistleblowers (e.g., assurance of no retaliation).
- External reporting routes (e.g., NSPCC Helpline).
✔ Train staff – Use scenarios in staff meetings:
- “A colleague is rough-handling children — what do you do?”
- “You suspect a manager is covering up an incident — how do you escalate it?”
✔ Display whistleblowing procedures – Ensure all staff know the process.
c) Attendance & Child Absence Policy
What’s new?
- A written Attendance Policy must be shared with parents.
- Prolonged/unexplained absences must be followed up and may require a social care referral.
Actions for Compliance:
✔ Create an Attendance Policy – Include:
- Expected notice for absences (e.g., parents must call by 9:30am).
- Follow-up procedures (e.g., phone calls after 2 days of no contact).
- When to escalate (e.g., after 5 unexplained absences, refer to social services).
✔ Monitor patterns – Use an attendance tracker:
- Example: A child is repeatedly absent on Mondays — discuss with parents to rule out safeguarding concerns.
✔ Work with authorities – If a child goes missing:
- Example: A toddler’s parents stop responding — contact children’s social care or request a police welfare check.
2. Staff-Child Ratios & Supervision
What’s new?
- Children must be in sight AND hearing during meals (previously “sight OR hearing”).
- At other times, “sight OR hearing” remains acceptable.
Actions for Compliance:
✔ Adjust mealtime supervision – Staff should:
- Sit at the table with children (not standing at a distance).
- Engage in conversation to monitor choking risks and allergies.
✔ Review room layouts – Ensure no blind spots where children could be out of sight.
3. Food, Drink & Safer Eating
What’s new?
- Updated DfE Nutrition Guidance (April 2025) replaces old standards.
- Safer Eating rules now include:
- Strict supervision during meals.
- Allergy awareness (symptoms, emergency treatment).
- Minimising choking risks (e.g., cutting grapes lengthways).
Actions for Compliance:
✔ Update food policies – Include:
- Banning high-risk foods (e.g., whole nuts, popcorn for under-5s).
- Safe food prep (e.g., grating carrots for toddlers).
✔ Train staff on allergies – Conduct anaphylaxis drills:
- Example: Practise using an EpiPen in staff training.
✔ Record incidents – Log any choking events requiring intervention.
4. Toileting & Intimate Care
What’s new?
- Privacy vs. safeguarding balance – Staff must supervise other children while changing nappies.
Actions for Compliance:
✔ Use a “body shield” technique – Position themselves to:
- Block view of the changing mat while keeping other children in sight.
✔ Avoid one-to-one situations – Where possible, have two staff present for intimate care.
5. Emergency Contacts
What’s new?
- Settings should hold at least 3 emergency contacts per child (where possible).
Actions for Compliance:
✔ Update registration forms – Request:
- Two parent/carer numbers + a grandparent/family friend.
✔ Check contacts annually – Ensure numbers are up to date.
Summary: Key Steps for Compliance
| Requirement | Action Needed | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Safer Recruitment | Update policy, verify references | Call previous employer to confirm work history |
| Whistleblowing | Draft policy, train staff | Display NSPCC helpline in staff room |
| Attendance Policy | Track absences, escalate concerns | Refer after 5 unexplained absences |
| Safer Eating | Train staff, modify menus | Cut grapes lengthways, supervise meals |
| Toileting | Adjust supervision methods | Use body as a privacy screen |
| Emergency Contacts | Collect extra numbers | Add a grandparent’s contact |
By September 2025, all early years providers must implement these changes. Proactive planning, policy updates, and staff training will ensure a smooth transition and ongoing compliance with EYFS 2025.
For further guidance, visit:
- GOV.UK EYFS Statutory Framework
- DfE Help for Early Years Providers
- Local Authority Safeguarding Partners
