Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2026
This version of the EYFS Framework is effective from 1 September 2026.
There are two frameworks and providers are responsible for ensuring that they follow the current version of the framework for their provider type.
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- EYFS statutory framework for childminders
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- EYFS statutory framework for group and school-based providers
The EYFS framework includes early years qualification requirements and standards.
There have been a number of important changes for early years providers, including new requirements on safer sleeping, recruitment and suitability checks, volunteer DBS checks, and guidance on children’s screen use. The framework also includes measures relating to banned dog breeds and updated requirements for notifying Ofsted of certain safeguarding concerns and changes to people living or working on domestic premises.
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Comparison table: Early Years Foundation Stage Framework 2026
This EYFS comparison table is for nursery managers and practitioners to understand the key changes between the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework 2026 and the Early Years Foundation Stage 2025.
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What is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards you must meet as a childcare provider, for the learning, development and care of children under the age of five in England. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS.
The Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework provides the legal framework that sets the standards that providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5.
Birth to 5 Matters
Birth to 5 Matters is guidance produced by the sector, for the sector, to support the introduction of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage in England in 2021.
It is non-statutory guidance that practitioners may use to support their implementation of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, which sets out the legal requirements for delivering education for children from birth to 5 in England.
2 year progress check update
Download the non-statutory guidance for the early years foundation stage progress check at age two.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Comparison Quiz
Test your knowledge with our Early Years Foundation Stage 2025 comparison quiz and download a pdf version to use in staff meetings below.
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Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) training
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