Need-to-know: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework updated for September 2025

The changes, effective from 1 September, mostly cover safeguarding, attendance and staffing ratios. Find out what's changing and the action you need to take to stay compliant.

Last reviewed on 14 July 2025
Ref: 45478

The Department for Education (DfE) has published an update to the EYFS statutory framework, effective from 1 September 2025. Until then, you must comply with the current version of the framework.

Most of the changes are related to safeguarding

Safer recruitment, including the requirement to obtain references for new members of staff before they're recruited, and the requirement to include safer recruitment procedures in your safeguarding policies Child absence, including following up on absences promptly and holding emergency contacts for each child The role of the designated safeguarding lead (DSL), including that every early years setting must assign a DSL New criteria for effective safeguarding training, including details on what effective training looks like and that training must be renewed every 2 years Paediatric first aid (PFA), including that staff must hold a valid PFA qualification to be included in staff ratios Toileting and privacy, including balancing privacy with safeguarding and support needs during nappy changes and toileting Safer

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