From 1 September 2025 the updated EYFS framework becomes law for all registered early years providers in England.
It introduces tougher safeguarding reforms, tighter safer recruitment rules, and new health measures that aim to keep children safe and learning well.
Below you will find a friendly, practical checklist to help your team stay calm, organised, and compliant.
Key takeaways
- The new EYFS framework is effective on 1st September 2025 and there is no grace period. Providers must update policies on whistleblowing, Safer Recruitment, child absence and safer eating
- All students and trainees counted in staff‑to‑child ratios need Paediatric First Aid (PFA).
- A qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) replaces the old “lead practitioner” title.
- Two updated statutory documents now exist – one for childminder settings and one for group and school‑based providers.
1. Refresh your safeguarding policy
What has changed?
Policies must now include detailed Safer Recruitment steps, whistleblowing channels, and a summary of how staff take safeguarding training into daily practice.
Action
| Quick win | Support |
| Insert a step‑by‑step recruitment flowchart containing all new requirements to ensure new staff and existing staff are compliant. | Use the free “What is the EYFS statutory framework” explainer from Eden Training’s hot topics for wording ideas. |
2. Tighten safer recruitment checks
Why?
Every new member of staff now needs at least one recent, senior reference and, where relevant, access to their safeguarding history.
Task
- Build a template reference request form.
- Log DBS numbers, dates, and referees in one central file.
- Cross‑check application forms against references for gaps.
Gentle tip: Treat it like detective work, but without the trench coat.
3. Deliver training that meets the safeguarding training criteria
The Department for Education (DfE) has created Annex C in the framework guide with minimum requirements that all training provider sessions must cover. You can read about this on page 53 of the full framework
Providers must meet these criteria every two years, with refreshers in between.
Need a ready‑made course? The Introduction to EYFS development courses helps explain some of the available courses on offer.
4. Certify students and trainees in Paediatric First Aid
Students and trainees must hold PFA before being counted in staff‑to‑child ratios. Book courses early, as dates could fill up fast due to these new requirements.
5. Put a PFA‑trained adult at every meal or snack
From September, a PFA holder must be directly with the children whenever food is served. One tip is to create a coloured rota so no room is left uncovered.
6. Launch a safer eating plan
Children’s mealtimes now need:
- A named adult watching, seated within sight and hearing range.
- Clear allergy and dietary needs lists.
- Records of any choking incidents, with lessons learned.
For practical cooking tips, share the Teach Early Years choking guide with staff here: Teach Early Years Choking Guide.
7. Update your attendance policy
You must follow up on unexplained or prolonged absences promptly and keep at least two emergency contacts per child. Add a same‑day phone‑call rule and template email.
8. Name and train your DSL
The role is now officially the Designated Safeguarding Lead with extra oversight of staff concerns.
- Check your chosen DSL’s qualification meets the new framework.
- Book specialist Level 5 study such as the Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship.
9. Protect privacy during personal care
Nappy time should respect dignity while staying under EYFS safeguarding guidelines . Use modesty screens plus clear viewing panels.
10. Strengthen whistleblowing culture
Display the NSPCC helpline and keep an anonymous box for concerns. Ensure procedures appear in your safeguarding and welfare policies.
11. Verify staff‑to‑child ratios
Double‑check that anyone included in numbers:
- Holds the correct qualification.
- Has PFA if required.
- Works directly with children for the right number of hours.
When recruiting, explore Early Years Educator Level 3 or Early Years Practitioner Level 2 pathways to grow talent.
12. Share the plan – and keep it printable
Create a one‑page, colour‑coded planning tools page or poster for the staff room. Make it printable so supply staff stay in the loop.
Countdown planner
Many schools and nurseries have enough administrative tasks to deal with, so we’ve put together a 10 week plan to help ease the transition over several weeks. We recognise you could complete these tasks sooner, but the table below shows an average, easy-to-complete framework.
| Week | Task | Owner |
| Week 1 | Mock inspection walk-through focusing on safer eating, privacy in toileting, and absence follow-up | Key leaders |
| Week 2 | Parent comms on updated framework and attendance policy | Key person |
| Week 4 | DSL course finished – ensure your Designated Safeguarding Lead has the correct qualification and training | DSL |
| Week 6 | Reference checks filed and template forms completed for all new staff | HR |
| Week 8 | Staff PFA booking completed – all trainees counted in ratios have valid Paediatric First Aid | Admin |
| Week 10 | Policy rewrite complete – updated safeguarding and welfare policies, including whistleblowing and safer recruitment | Manager |
Final thoughts
We know the list looks long, but each step is designed to support every child. With clear roles, regular check‑ins, and a dash of humour, your setting will sail into September 2025 feeling confident and ready.
Need extra learning? Dip into the Guide to becoming an Early Years Lead Practitioner or explore broader early education topics in Eden TS resources.
Let’s work together so children learn and develop well in safe, joyful spaces.
