Safeguarding in the Early Years

In September 2025. a new version of the EYFS became the statutory for Early Years settings, including childminders, in England.

What are the key changes to safeguarding requirements in the September 2025 EYFS?

The seven key areas of change in the EYFS are:

• Safeguarding training criteria
• Monitoring child absences
• Safe eating practice
• Changes to paediatric first aid
• Safer recruitment
• Whistleblowing
• Guidnace around toileting and intimate hygiene

Why did were the changes to safeguarding guidance made?

Ann Marie and Rachel offer some background to the safeguarding reforms in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in 2025. Primaruly, the changes have have been introduced due to instances of poor or unsafe practices in Early Years settings over the past few years. These changes were informed by:

• Ofsted inspections
• Government data
• A consultation process.

What are the changes to safeguarding training requirements and criteria?

The reforms mean that mandatory safeguarding training now has to be renewed every two years, with providers considering whether staff need refresher training between cycles. Training must:

• Focus on the care of 0-5 year olds
• Cover categories of abuse and neglect: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.
• Include topics such as domestic abuse and working with local safeguarding partners.

The new requirements emphasise understanding vulnerability, early intervention, and the ability to refer and escalate concerns appropriately.

Ann Marie and Rachel recommend a blended approach to safeguarding training, combining online learning with face-to-face sessions to ensure contextual understanding and provoke discussion. They note the importance of due diligence when selecting training providers and ensuring that the training is delivered by competent and experienced professionals. Ongoing training can help in creating a culture of vigilance and transparency in Early Years settings.