New EYFS from September includes new safer sleeping and recruitment measures
The DfE has published the new versions of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which come into force from September 2026.
This latest iteration includes new requirements for safer sleeping and recruitment, measures on banned dog breeds and guidance on screen time for under fives.
Tim McLachlan, Chief Executive of NDNA said: “We welcome the Department for Education’s clarity within the EYFS on a number of points, most notably safer sleeping, checks for volunteers and the guidance on screen time.
“We are continuing urgent discussions with the DfE about the implications of elements of its new safer sleeping guidance, particularly the changes relating to coracles, and the support the sector needs to implement these short-notice requirements in time for September.
“NDNA provided expert advice on the development of the new screen use guidance and we hope providers will find this useful. We will develop a new template policy for nurseries on this vital issue and how settings can work with parents to ensure that children do not exceed the recommended screen time during the day at nursery and home.”
Here is an overview of changes to the EYFS which applies from 1 September – for more detailed information see NDNA’s summary of changes here.
Safer sleeping and recruitment
- explicit wording on the safer sleep requirements so that providers do not need to refer out to separate guidance
- prohibits the provision of registered childcare from any premises where a banned dog breed is kept or is otherwise present
- providers to inform Ofsted of allegations of ‘harm’ (instead of ‘serious harm’) by anyone living, working, or looking after children at the premises
- requirement of enhanced criminal records checks for volunteers (including those who are supervised) and prevent new employees from commencing employment before receiving their check
- requirements for what providers must tell staff they have to disclose, as part of information that may affect their suitability to work with children
- requires providers of childcare on domestic premises to notify Ofsted of changes to persons aged 16 or over living or working at the premises.
Children’s screen use in early years settings
Providers must have regard to screen use guidance for early years settings published at the same time as the EYFS. The screen use guidance builds on the guidance for parents published in March 2026 and has been produced with contributions from sector experts including NDNA, the Digital Standards Early Years Action Group and Early Years Screen Time Advisory Group.
Other changes to the EYFS
Other minor clarificatory changes have been made to make the existing requirements clearer for providers.
Published bound copies of EYFS
NDNA is now selling bound printed, copies of the new EYFS https://ndna.org.uk/product/early-years-foundation-stage-eyfs-statutory-framework-2026-for-group-and-school-based-providers/
- Department for Education
- DfE
- early years
- eyfs
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