· 2 min read
EYFS changes from September 2026 – what do they mean for settings?
From the start of the autumn term, the Early Years Foundation Stage framework is being refreshed for childminders, group settings and school‑based providers. As reported by Foundation Years, the core focus is tightening safeguarding and welfare requirements, plus a new look at children’s screen use. There are also a handful of minor clarifications intended to make existing rules easier to follow. For many of us, good practice is already in place, but a few updates will demand a quick check to ensure full compliance.
What’s shifting on 1 September 2026?
Safer sleep – review now
One of the clearer changes concerns safe sleep. The statutory framework now spells out the safer‑sleep expectations directly, so you won’t need to refer to separate guidance. It’s a good moment to gather your team and walk through the current procedures: are all practitioners confident about how they’ll monitor sleeping children and share sleep‑related information with parents and carers? The Foundation Years resources on safer sleep can help you refresh those conversations and confirm that every detail is covered.
DBS checks, volunteers and childminder assistants
The rules around criminal‑record checking have been tightened. Enhanced DBS checks and barred‑list verification are now required for volunteers, even when they work under supervision. New employees cannot begin their role until the check is received, regardless of any supervisory arrangement. For childminder assistants, the requirement is even stricter – they cannot start work at all until both the DBS check and the letter of suitability have been obtained. It’s wise to revisit your recruitment and induction processes, making sure the people responsible for hiring understand these updated obligations and that your policies reflect them.
Reporting harm, banned dogs and screen use
The threshold for notifying Ofsted or a childminder agency has moved from “serious harm” to “harm.” Any allegation made by someone living, working or caring for children on the premises now triggers a notification. Those with safeguarding duties should be clear on when and how to report. Additionally, from 1 September, registered childcare cannot take place in premises where a banned dog breed is kept. This also affects nannies and voluntarily registered providers, so a quick check of your premises and any resident animals is advisable. Finally, the framework introduces new expectations around children’s screen use in early‑years settings – a topic you’ll want to explore as part of your overall safeguarding review.
These updates are about reinforcing what many of us already do well while adding a few extra checkpoints. Taking a moment now to audit your policies and share the changes with your team will help you stay fully EYFS‑aligned and give parents and carers confidence in the care you provide.
Ask Polly, our childminding assistant, free at policyandplay.co.uk/try-polly.html
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Screen-free ideas to try this week
Simple ideas aligned to the EYFS. Always supervise, and adapt to each child’s age and stage.
Cosy reading den
All agesLiteracyCommunication and Language
You’ll need
- A sheet or tent
- Cushions, blankets, a soft light
- A basket of favourite books
How to do it
- Build a small den together and add the cushions.
- Choose a book each and settle in.
- Read with lots of voices, then pause and let children finish the line.
- Ask 'what do you think happens next?'.
Look out for: See who handles books carefully, points to pictures and joins in with familiar phrases.
Keep it safe: Keep a clear route in and out and use a battery light rather than a real candle or lamp.
Nursery rhyme basket
Toddlers (18 months–3)Communication and LanguageLiteracy
You’ll need
- A basket with one object per rhyme (spider, star, sheep, bus)
- A few favourite rhymes
How to do it
- Pull out an object and ask children which rhyme it belongs to.
- Sing it together with actions.
- Let a child pick the next object.
- Leave the basket out so children can sing to themselves.
Look out for: Listen for children filling in missing words and starting rhymes on their own.
Keep it safe: Check objects are large and clean for under-3s.
Puddle stomp and splash
All agesPhysical DevelopmentUnderstanding the World
You’ll need
- Waterproofs and wellies
- A puddle (or a tray of water)
- Chalk to mark splash spots
How to do it
- Go out after rain and look for the biggest puddle.
- Predict what will happen if you jump in it, then try.
- Use chalk to draw round where the splashes reach.
- Talk about where the water goes when the puddle dries.
Look out for: Watch balance, jumping with two feet and the cause-and-effect language children use.
Keep it safe: Check puddles for depth and hazards and keep babies on a waterproof mat rather than in deep water.