Strengthening Safeguarding: Key EYFS Updates for 2025

The Department for Education (DfE) is set to implement significant updates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) from 1 September 2025, focusing on bolstering safeguarding and welfare standards These changes formalise good practice already in place across many nurseries and early years settings; they aim to ensure consistently safe and high‑quality care for all children.

1. Safer Recruitment & Staff References

• All new staff and assistants must provide recent, specific references, ideally with details on safeguarding history, not generic “To whom it may concern” letters
• Safeguarding policies must now explicitly include procedures to verify candidate suitability

2. Absence Follow‑Up & Emergency Contacts

• Settings must actively follow up on any unexplained or prolonged absence of a child
• Providers must hold a minimum of two emergency contacts per child and keep details up to date

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Assurance

• The former “lead practitioner” role is now formally defined as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), requiring appropriate training and on-site presence

4. Mandated Paediatric First Aid (PFA)

• All staff, including trainees and students, must hold valid paediatric first aid training to count in staffing ratios
• In meal/snack situations, at least one qualified PFA staff member must be present

5. Safer Eating Practices

• Settings must adopt safer eating routines: staff supervision, allergy vigilance, choking prevention guidance, and ensuring appropriate seating arrangements during meals

6. Toileting, Nappy Changing & Privacy

• The framework clarifies that while privacy is essential, supervision must be maintained during diaper changes and toileting

7. Safeguarding Training Transparency

• Policies must detail how safeguarding training is delivered (e.g., induction, refresher sessions) and show active support for practitioners to embed knowledge

8. Whistleblowing Procedures

• A formal, written whistleblowing policy is now required, making clear how staff can safely report concerns 

The updates come after a 2024 consultation that underscored wide support for stronger, more consistent safeguarding across early years settings. While not a full EYFS curriculum overhaul, these regulatory shifts tighten the framework around safety, clarity, and accountability.

Preparing for September 2025: Action Checklist

These September 2025 EYFS changes reinforce good safeguarding practices. Putting evidence, accountability, and transparency at the heart of early years care. For settings already practising responsibly, the updates are about documenting excellence. For those seeking improvement, now is the time to prepare, update, and communicate.

By taking proactive steps today, reviewing policies, training staff, and embedding clarity, you can confidently meet the new standards and ensure your setting provides the safe, nurturing environment every child deserves.