The EYFS has been updated with a raft of safeguarding reforms which came into effect on 1^st September 2025.  They shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone as the consultation was lengthy and the planned changes were notified back in November 2024, but in case you’ve missed it, here are the main changes for childminders, early years settings and schools with a reception class (and nursery if applicable).  You can find Wiltshire’s SVPP documents detailing the changes for childminders and group settings at https://rightchoice.wiltshire.gov.uk/Page/9227

Note – there are two different versions of the EYFS – one for childminders and one for EY group settings.  Numbers in BOLD show the reference in these documents – they are usually the same in each document but occasionally refer to only one version.

TRAINING

• Childminders must now undertake DSL training and are considered the DSL of their setting (EY settings must have a trained DSL who is available at all times that the setting is open (this may be via remote link if absolutely necessary) 26, 3.27, 3.28
• DSL training must be renewed every 2 years, and the content of the training must cover the elements in paragraphs 2 & 3 of Annex C of the EYFS document 3.31
• Childminding assistants or early years professionals in settings must undertake safeguarding training every 2 years covering the elements in paragraph 2 of Annex C 3.30 & 3.32

For settings which operate in Wiltshire, SVPP’s Early Years and Childminders Training Guide is available at https://rightchoice.wiltshire.gov.uk/Page/9227

SAFER EATING

• Children must have a fully trained Paediatric First Aider (12hr) in the room whenever they are eating 3.63 & 3.69
• When eating, children should be in a highchair or appropriately sized low chair 3.68
• A choking log must be kept and reviewed for any choking incident where physical intervention is needed (i.e. back blows or chest/abdominal thrusts) 3.70
• You must gather information about each child about special dietary requirements before they start at your setting 3.64, have ongoing discussions with parents about allergies and weaning where relevant to the child 3.65 & 3.66

ABSENCES

• Child absences must be followed up in a timely manner. ‘Timely’ depends somewhat on the context of what you know about the family, their situation, how vulnerable a child is etc. – but absences should be at least clarified by phone on day 1 as a minimum, and then if prolonged, consider the need to escalate. 3.11
• Settings must have an attendance policy which they share with parents, and should hold more than 2 sets of emergency contact details where at all possible 3.12 & 3.96

SAFER RECRUITMENT

• Safer recruitment has been emphasised; relevant staff should be safer recruitment trained (the NSPCC’s course is well regarded and cost effective). There are specific criteria for references which must be followed 3.20
• Group settings – information about the checks carried out on each member of staff must be recorded (similar to a school’s Single Central Record) – details are at 3.14

TOILETING & HYGIENE

• Children’s privacy is considered and balanced with safeguarding and support needs when changing nappies and toileting 3.86

Not new, but good reminders for the start of a new academic year:

• All EY settings must have a Child Protection Policy and Procedure in place which covers specific criteria 3.5. The SVPP template for the current year can be freely downloaded from https://rightchoice.wiltshire.gov.uk/Page/9227 and adopted by settings to make sure you comply with all EYFS requirements
• All EY settings with employees must have a Whistleblowing Policy 3.7 – have you reviewed yours?
• All staff must know how to report a concern to MASH – how recently have you run through the procedure with your team? 3.9 & Annex C
• Check your emergency procedures are up to date and nothing material has changed

• Check the items in your first aid kit are in date and you have adequate quantities of items available

Much about safeguarding is a combination of common sense, keeping your eyes open and your wits about you for when something sounds, looks or feels ‘off’ and knowing how and when to report it.  Whatever your position in the EY childcare and education system, the most important part of your role is to safeguard the children in your care at all costs – so don’t be afraid to report to your DSL or MASH if you are concerned. 

For further guidance or information, or to book onto EY DSL/DDSL training or arrange group setting training, please get in touch.