NEW Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework legislation 

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework was first introduced in 2008 to set standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to age five in the UK. It was a new, integrated framework intended to provide consistent, high-quality standards for all early years settings, replacing previously separate national standards.

There are 2 statutory EYFS frameworks and providers are responsible for ensuring they follow the current version of the framework for their provider type.:

• EYFS statutory framework for childminders
• EYFS statutory framework for group and school-based providers

New EYFS rules effective from September 2025 include enhanced safeguarding requirements, such as mandatory references for new staff and more rigorous child absence monitoring. A designated safeguarding lead (DSL) now replaces the “lead practitioner” role, and more emergency contacts are recommended for each child. Furthermore, settings must provide mandatory Paediatric First Aid (PFA) training for all staff, refresh their safeguarding and whistleblowing policies, and implement statutory nutrition guidance for safer eating practices.

The key changes introduced for EYFS Providers include:

• First Aid & Training:
  • Mandatory Paediatric First Aid (PFA): All staff with Level 2 or 3 qualifications must now hold a valid PFA certificate to be included in staff-to-child ratios.
  • Safeguarding Training: Settings must develop annexes to their policies detailing the minimum requirements for effective safeguarding training.
• Enhanced Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment with mandatory references
• Increased Emergency Contacts – providers are encouraged to hold more than x2 emergency contacts per child.
• Child Absence Monitoring: Providers must follow up on child absences promptly
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The role of the lead practitioner is replaced by a DSL.
• Updated Whistleblowing and Safer Recruitment Policies
• Safer Eating including statutory nutrition guidance, Choking and Allergy Protocols:  reviewing mealtime supervision policies and ensuring a paediatric first aider is present during mealtimes, and log all choking incidents. There are also new requirements on safe weaning practices, appropriate food textures, and collaboration with parents to manage dietary needs.

To help businesses meet these changes, we have added additional Level 3 Paediatric First Aid open courses to try and meet the high demand. This course is aimed at registered childminders, nursery, teaching staff and those working within a childcare setting who need to meet OFSTED requirements, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and includes the Level 2 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (PFA).

We also offer Safeguarding E Learning Courses which are focused training to identify the principle laws that relate to safeguarding and are appropriate for anyone who has a duty of care for, or comes into contact with, people in need of care and support.

To help support the safer eating legislation, we offer Food Safety Training Courses. Our trainers are passionate about anything to do with food or food safety. They are excellent at adapting courses to suit the particular working environment and making food safety training both informative and enjoyable.
If you need support with meeting the new EYFS framework, please contact us

Frequently Asked Questions

What changes have been introduced in the new EYFS statutory framework?
The updated EYFS statutory framework introduces stronger safeguarding, recruitment, and welfare requirements for early years providers. New measures include mandatory employment references for staff, improved child absence monitoring, and clearer safeguarding responsibilities. The framework also places greater emphasis on paediatric first aid training and safer eating guidance within childcare settings. These updates are designed to improve consistency and strengthen protection for children across early years environments. Understanding the changes early helps providers remain compliant and avoid disruption once the requirements take effect.

Why is safeguarding a major focus in the new EYFS legislation?
Safeguarding remains central to the EYFS because early years settings have a responsibility to protect children’s wellbeing at every stage of care and learning. The updated framework strengthens procedures around recruitment, staff training, and safeguarding leadership to improve accountability. Providers are also expected to respond more quickly to unexplained absences and maintain clearer safeguarding records. These changes help create safer and more transparent childcare environments for both children and parents. Strong safeguarding practices also help settings build trust and confidence with families and inspectors alike.

How can early years providers prepare for the new EYFS requirements?
Preparation starts with reviewing current safeguarding, whistleblowing, and recruitment policies against the updated framework requirements. Providers should also ensure staff training records, paediatric first aid qualifications, and safeguarding procedures are fully up to date. Reviewing emergency contact information and attendance monitoring systems can help settings adapt more smoothly to the new expectations. Many providers also benefit from refresher training to ensure staff understand their responsibilities clearly. Taking action early reduces pressure later and helps settings continue delivering safe, compliant childcare with confidence.