Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework (2026)

The Department for Education (DfE) publishes updated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory frameworks, effective from 1 September 2026. This updated framework includes explicit new safeguarding requirements, mandatory safer sleep arrangements, strict guidelines on screen use, and rules prohibiting registered childcare on premises where banned dog breeds are kept.

The main changes effective from September 2026 target child safety and tighten compliance across all settings:

• Safer Sleep: Explicit, non-negotiable safer sleep arrangements are now built directly into the statutory text rather than referring out to separate NHS guidelines.
• Banned Dog Breeds: Providers are strictly prohibited from operating registered childcare where any banned dog breed is kept or present.
• Screen Use: New statutory expectations require providers to give "regard to screen use" in early years settings.
• Volunteers & Recruitment: Enhanced criminal records checks are now mandated for all volunteers (even if supervised), and new staff cannot begin work until these checks are completed.
• Ofsted Notification: Providers must notify Ofsted or their childminder agency of allegations of 'harm' (changed from 'serious harm') by anyone living or working on the premises.
• Ratios: The numerical ratio requirements remain the same, but the wording in the framework has been updated to provide clearer guidelines on how ratios should be calculated.