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About this Briefing The Department for Education has published updated EYFS Statutory Frameworks that come into force on 1 September 2026. There are two separate frameworks: one for group and school-based providers and one for childminders. While there are some differences in how certain requirements apply, particularly for those operating on domestic premises, the majority of the safeguarding and welfare changes are consistent across both frameworks. This briefing provides an overview of the key changes affecting early years providers and childminders and highlights any areas where requirements may differ. Overview The 2026 EYFS Statutory Framework is primarily an evolution rather than a complete rewrite of the 2025 framework. The learning and development requirements, educational programmes, Early Learning Goals, assessment arrangements and most ratio requirements remain unchanged. The most significant amendments are concentrated within the Safeguarding and Welfare Requiremen...

Prefer a printable version? Click here to download this briefing as a PDF for easy circulation and distribution. Introduction Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026 is the Department for Education's statutory safeguarding guidance for schools and colleges in England. It sets out the legal duties and expectations that education settings must follow to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people under the age of 18. The guidance applies to all schools and colleges, including maintained schools, academies, independent schools, alternative provision settings and further education providers. It is relevant to governors, trustees, proprietors, senior leaders, designated safeguarding leads (DSLs), teachers, support staff and volunteers. Safeguarding remains everyone's responsibility and KCSIE continues to promote a whole-school approach to keeping children safe.  KCSIE 2026 introduces important updates that reflect changes to children's social care sys...