Early Years Foundation Stage – September 2025 - Changes in Safeguarding

Early Years Foundation Stage – September 2025 - Changes

From 1 September 2025, Section 3 of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) has been revised to strengthen safeguarding and welfare expectations across all early years settings. These changes reflect a shared sector commitment to clearer responsibilities, safer recruitment, and more consistent training – ultimately to ensure better outcomes for children.

Terminology updates

One key change is the replacement of the term “lead practitioner” with Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). This aligns early years terminology with the wider safeguarding landscape, and ensures that DSLs are explicitly recognised as the point of contact for all safeguarding matters, including liaison with statutory children’s services and safeguarding partners.

Safeguarding policy requirements

Safeguarding policies must now include more detailed procedures than before. Settings are expected to outline how they respond to safeguarding concerns and allegations - including those involving staff, assistants, or household members. There must be clear guidance on the use of mobile phones, cameras, and other devices. Safer recruitment protocols must be documented, including how references are gathered and staff suitability assessed. Additionally, the policy should describe how safeguarding training is delivered, and include whistleblowing procedures with guidance on where staff can seek support.

Safer recruitment enhancements

Recruitment expectations have been strengthened significantly. Providers should obtain references before interviews, wherever possible. Open references (e.g., “To whom it may concern”) are no longer considered acceptable, and referees must be current or most recent employers - not family members. Providers are also required to verify employment history and interrogate vague or inconsistent reference content. It is also important that references outline if there has been a proven allegation against a member of staff. Records of vetting - such as DBS check dates and numbers must be maintained accurately.

Child absence protocols

The EYFS now places greater emphasis on child absence protocols. If a child is absent without explanation, settings must follow up promptly and use emergency contacts if parents are unreachable. Judgements around absence must take into account the child’s vulnerability and their home context. Settings must also have a written attendance policy that is shared with families.

Safeguarding training requirements

Safeguarding training has been formalised under new Annex C criteria. All staff must be trained in accordance with this guidance, with DSLs attending approved courses and offering ongoing support to colleagues. Child protection awareness training must be renewed every two years. Annual refreshers are also strongly recommended to maintain up-to-date knowledge. Childminders must ensure that any assistants also receive appropriate safeguarding training and supervision.

Paediatric first aid (PFA) training

Paediatric First Aid (PFA) training has become mandatory for students and trainees who are included in ratio counts. This ensures that all adults working directly with children are prepared to manage health-related emergencies.

Safer eating requirements

Eating practices are now subject to new safeguarding expectations. Settings must supervise children during meals and weaning, with a strong focus on allergy awareness and choking prevention. Children must me in sight and sound when eating. A member of staff that is paediatric first aid trained must be in the room while children are eating. All choking incidents must be recorded, parents informed and any trends identified.

Privacy protocols

Toileting and nappy changing routines must carefully balance children’s privacy with safeguarding visibility. Providers need to ensure children are protected while maintaining their dignity, and these practices should be reflected in updated internal policies.

Whistleblowing

A written whistleblowing policy is now a statutory requirement. All staff must know how to raise concerns confidentially and where they can access external support if needed. This change underscores the importance of an open, transparent culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

What this means and what to do now:

For early years providers, the September 2025 EYFS safeguarding updates signal a crucial shift from compliance-based procedures to proactive safeguarding culture. This means settings must not only review their policies to align with the new statutory requirements, but also cultivate an environment where safeguarding is deeply embedded in everyday practice.

Practical steps like updating training records, restructuring policy documents, and communicating changes to staff, parents, and carers are essential - but it’s the strengthened safeguarding mindset behind these changes that will make the real difference. Providers should take time to reflect on their current culture, ensure every member of staff understands their safeguarding responsibilities, and work collaboratively to build secure, inclusive environments where children are not only protected, - but empowered to thrive.

Resources:

EYFS September 2025 for groups and school based providers

EYFS September 2025 for childminders

ECP free resources on the changes from September 2025