EYFS Framework Updates 2026: What Early Years Providers Need to Know
- Sally Gridley
- Jul 16
- 6 min read
If you've been hearing about the 2026 EYFS updates but aren't quite sure what's changing, don't worry you’re not alone.
Every time the EYFS is updated, the same questions start popping up. What has changed? Do I need to rewrite all my policies? Is Ofsted going to inspect differently? The good news is that the 2026 updates aren't as daunting as they might sound.
This update isn't a complete overhaul of the EYFS. The learning and development requirements and the Early Learning Goals aren't changing. Instead, the updates are mainly about safeguarding and children's welfare, with Ofsted placing more focus on how these things work in practice from 1 September 2026.
For most settings, it isn't about starting from scratch. It's about checking that what you're already doing is up to date, well understood by your team, including trustees/committee members and happening consistently every day. Here's what you need to know.
What is the EYFS?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework that all registered early years providers in England must follow for children from birth to the end of Reception.
It covers three main areas:
Learning and development
Assessment
Safeguarding and welfare
This latest update doesn't change what children should be learning. Instead, it tightens up some of the safeguarding and welfare requirements and gives providers a clearer idea of what inspectors will be looking for.
So, What's Actually Changing?
Most of the changes build on the safeguarding updates introduced in 2025. None of them should come as a surprise, but they do make expectations much clearer.
Safer Sleep
There's now much clearer guidance around safer sleep for babies.
Babies must be placed to sleep on their back in their own separate sleep space.
Babies 12 months and under must sleep in a cot.
Sleep spaces must be clear of all additional items.
Clear requirements for bedding.
Babies under 6 months must have an adult in the same room for every sleep.
Children must be within sight and hearing at all times while sleeping and supervision must be active and continuous.
Recommended room temperature of 16-20 degrees
Settings need to be able to show that staff understand safer sleep guidance and follow it consistently. That includes knowing how babies should be positioned, making sure sleep spaces are safe and reducing known risks.
It's not enough to have a policy on the shelf—staff need to know it, use it and be able to explain it.
Safer Eating
Safer eating is another area receiving more attention. The updated EYFS introduces clearer statutory expectations around reducing choking risks and promoting safe eating.
Providers must ensure:
Children are appropriately supervised while eating.
Arrangements are in place to reduce choking risks.
Safe weaning practices are followed.
Children are seated appropriately during meals and snacks.
Staff receive appropriate training in safe eating practices.
Staff know how to respond to choking emergencies.
Inspectors are likely to be interested in how these routines work day to day, not just whether there's a policy in place.
Screen Use
The updated framework also talks more about children's use of screens and digital technology.
Technology can absolutely support learning, but providers should think about how it's being used. Providers should:
Avoid screen use for children under 2 years old.
Limit screen time to no more than one hour per day for children aged 2-5 years.
Take a precautionary approach, using screens only where there is a clear learning and development purpose
Safeguarding Changes
Clearer Expectations around Safer Recruitment
Providers must ensure a written reference is obtained before recruitment
Enhanced DBS and Children's Barred List checks are completed before individuals begin working or volunteering. New starters must not begin work until these checks have been received.
Staff suitability is monitored throughout employment, with appropriate action taken when concerns arise.
All staff understand their ongoing duty to disclose any information that may affect their suitability, including arrests, charges, cautions, convictions, court orders, reprimands or warnings. Useful document: Staff Suitability Declaration
Clearer Focus on How Policies Are Implemented in Practice
Safeguarding training is renewed at least every two years, with evidence of its impact on practice.
Whistleblowing procedures explicitly include volunteers and apprentices.
Systems are in place to follow up prolonged or unexplained child absences.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead has sufficient authority, receives appropriate safeguarding training, keeps their knowledge up to date, supports staff and understands local safeguarding arrangements.
There is a stronger emphasis on safeguarding being actively monitored and embedded in practice in the updated 2026 EYFS.
For many providers, these won't mean huge changes. They're more about making sure good practice is happening consistently.
What Will Ofsted Be Looking For?
From September 2026, Ofsted will inspect against the updated framework.
Don't expect inspectors to arrive with a completely new checklist. Instead, they'll want to see that safeguarding isn't just something that's written in a policy, it should be part of everyday practice.
That means staff understanding their responsibilities, following procedures consistently and being able to explain why they do what they do.
If safer sleep, safer eating and safeguarding are simply "the way we do things here", you're already in a good place.
How Can You Get Ready?
September will come around quickly, so now is a good time to have a look at your policies and day-to-day practice.
A few things worth checking include:
Are your safeguarding and safer recruitment policies up to date?
Has everyone had recent training or a refresher on safer sleep and safer eating?
Do all staff understand the latest statutory guidance?
Have your risk assessments been reviewed?
Are you using the correct version of the EYFS framework for your setting?
Could you show an inspector how safeguarding works in practice if they asked tomorrow?
Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference.
What About Trustees?
If your setting is run by a committee or charity, trustees have an important role to play too. They won't be changing nappies or leading activities, but they are responsible for making sure the setting is meeting its legal duties and that children are safe.
With the updated EYFS framework coming into force in September 2026, now is a good time for trustees to ask questions, review what's already in place and make sure nothing has been missed.
Get Familiar with the Changes
Trustees don't need to know every detail of the EYFS, but they should understand what's changing and what it means for the setting. Having the updates on the agenda at committee meetings is a simple way to keep everyone informed.
Take a Fresh Look at Safeguarding
Safeguarding should never be something that's only discussed when there's a problem. Trustees should be confident that policies have been updated, staff know what they're doing and the Designated Safeguarding Lead has the time and support they need to carry out the role effectively.
It's also worth asking how safeguarding is being monitored throughout the year, not just before an inspection.
Check Policies Are Up to Date
Now's a good opportunity to review policies and make sure they reflect the latest guidance. That includes things like safeguarding, safer recruitment, sleep and rest, safer eating, health and safety and the use of mobile phones and digital devices.
There's no point having a policy sitting in a folder if it doesn't match what actually happens every day.
Ask About Recruitment
Trustees should be confident that the right checks are happening before anyone starts work. That's a key part of keeping children safe and something inspectors will expect leaders to have in hand.
Keep an Eye on Training
A useful question to ask is, "How do we know staff are up to date?"
Whether it's safeguarding, safer sleep or safer eating, trustees should be looking for reassurance that training isn't a one-off exercise but something that's kept current and put into practice.
Think Beyond the Paperwork
Ofsted isn't just interested in what's written down. Inspectors want to see that policies are actually being followed and that leaders, staff and trustees all understand their responsibilities.
Trustees should be able to explain how they support the manager, how they check things are working well and what they do if something needs improving.
Questions Trustees Could Ask
You don't need to be an early years expert to ask good questions.
For example:
Are we ready for the September 2026 changes?
Have our policies been reviewed recently?
Is everyone up to date with the training they need?
How are safer sleep and safer eating being monitored?
Have we picked up any issues through audits or safeguarding reviews?
Is there anything we need to improve before our next inspection?
Sometimes, asking the right question is more valuable than having all the answers.
Good Governance Makes a Difference
When trustees understand what's expected and take an active interest in safeguarding and children's welfare, they're helping to build a stronger setting.
It's not about ticking boxes for Ofsted. It's about making sure children are cared for in a safe environment and giving staff the support they need to do their jobs well.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 EYFS updates aren't asking providers to reinvent the wheel.
They're about making sure children are safe and putting children's welfare at the heart of their practice.
For most settings these changes will simply reinforce what they already do well. Taking a bit of time now to review your policies, refresh staff knowledge and make any small changes needed will help you feel much more confident when September arrives.
Where to Find More Information
If you'd like to read the guidance for yourself:
The Department for Education guidance on the 2025 and 2026 safeguarding updates
Ofsted's blog explaining how the September 2026 inspection changes will work
They're the best places to keep up to date with any future changes and to make sure you're working from the latest guidance.
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