EYFS 2026: What the Changes Mean for Early Years Providers – And What You Should Be Doing Now
The updated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework comes into force on 1 September 2026, bringing a number of important changes for early years providers across England. While many aspects of the framework remain unchanged, the latest updates place an even stronger emphasis on safeguarding, welfare and children's wellbeing.
For many settings, this won't require a complete overhaul of practice.
However, it does require leaders to review policies, strengthen staff knowledge and ensure safeguarding arrangements reflect the new statutory expectations. We've broken down the key changes and, more importantly, what they mean in practice.
Safeguarding continues to take centre stage
One of the biggest messages from the revised framework is that safeguarding is not a standalone policy, it should underpin every aspect of early years provision.
The changes sit almost entirely within the Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements, reinforcing that children's safety and wellbeing remain the foundation of high-quality early education.
For leaders, this is another reminder that safeguarding should be woven into everyday practice, decision-making and organisational culture not simply revisited during inspections.
1. Safer sleep is now embedded within the EYFS
Perhaps the most significant change is the inclusion of explicit safer sleep requirements within the statutory framework itself.
Previously, providers were directed to separate guidance. From September, expectations are clearly written into the EYFS, making safer sleep a statutory requirement that providers must follow.
The framework reinforces that providers must:
place babies on their backs to sleep
provide a firm, flat sleep surface
ensure babies have their own sleep space
keep babies under six months in the same room as an adult during sleep
carry out regular checks while children are sleeping
ensure sleeping children remain within sight or hearing of staff
follow recognised NHS and safer sleep guidance.
This isn't simply about compliance, it is about preventing avoidable harm. Every member of staff responsible for babies should feel confident implementing safer sleep practices consistently.
2. Greater focus on children's screen use
Technology continues to evolve and so does the guidance.
The updated EYFS now requires providers to have regard to the Department for Education's guidance on children's screen use in early years settings.
Whilst technology can support learning when used appropriately, the emphasis remains on ensuring screen use is:
purposeful
developmentally appropriate
balanced with play, interaction and physical activity
supportive of children's communication and language development.
This provides an opportunity for settings to review how, when and why screens are used within their provision.
3. Banned dog breeds cannot be present on childcare premises
The revised framework introduces a new safeguarding requirement that registered childcare cannot operate from premises where a banned dog breed is kept or present, in line with the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
For most providers this will have little operational impact, but childminders and home-based settings should ensure they understand the requirement and review any relevant risk assessments.
4. Safeguarding expectations are clearer
Whilst many safeguarding duties remain familiar, the updated wording provides greater clarity around responsibilities and reinforces the expectation that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
The revised framework aligns with wider safeguarding developments across education, including recent updates to Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education, ensuring a more consistent approach across the sector.
This is an ideal time to review:
safeguarding policies
reporting procedures
staff confidence
induction arrangements
designated safeguarding lead responsibilities
quality assurance processes.
What should leaders be doing before September?
Rather than waiting until the new framework comes into force, leaders should be preparing now.
Consider the following actions:
Review safeguarding and welfare policies.
Update safer sleep procedures to reflect the statutory wording.
Ensure all staff understand the new expectations, not just managers.
Review risk assessments, particularly around sleeping arrangements, technology and the physical environment.
Consider whether training needs updating to reflect the revised framework.
Brief governors, trustees or owners on the changes and any actions required.
Check that quality assurance processes provide confidence that expectations are being consistently met.
This is about culture, not just compliance
The strongest early years settings won't simply update their policies, they will use these changes as an opportunity to reflect on practice.
Ask yourself:
Would every practitioner know what to do if they found a baby sleeping unsafely?
Are staff confident in discussing safer sleep with parents?
Is screen use intentional and evidence-informed?
Does safeguarding underpin every decision we make?
These are the questions that help build a strong safeguarding culture.
Final thoughts
The EYFS 2026 updates are not about creating unnecessary bureaucracy, they are about strengthening the everyday practices that keep our youngest children safe, healthy and able to thrive. Many providers will already be delivering excellent practice. The revised framework simply provides greater clarity and consistency around what good safeguarding looks like.
At RLB, we encourage leaders to see these changes as more than a compliance exercise. They are an opportunity to refresh knowledge, strengthen safeguarding culture and ensure every member of staff understands their role in protecting children from the very start of life.
Safeguarding begins long before a child can tell us when something is wrong.
Resources
Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework
Changes to the EYFS framework from 1 September 2026
Join our Safeguarding in Early Years Webinar- The RLB Safeguarding Spotlight Series (FREE CPD SESSION) - 12pm-1pm
TOPIC: From Awareness to Action: Effective Safeguarding in Early Years Host and Speaker: Rachael Bishop - MD, RLB Safeguarding