New EYFS 2026: Key Changes Nurseries and Childminders Need to Know

1. Safer sleep requirements are now clearer

One of the biggest changes is the clearer wording around safer sleep. The new EYFS sets out more explicit requirements for children under 2.

Providers must ensure children are placed down to sleep safely. For children under 2, this includes being placed on their back, in their own separate sleep space, on a firm flat surface. Babies aged 12 months and under must only be placed to sleep in a cot.

Sleep spaces should only contain a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and suitable lightweight bedding. Cots must not contain extra items such as toys, pillows, cot bumpers, extra blankets, wedges or straps.

The new wording also says babies under 6 months must always have an adult with them in the same room for every sleep. Sleeping children must be within sight and hearing of staff and checked frequently.

2. Safer eating and weaning expectations are more detailed

The new EYFS also strengthens expectations around safer eating, choking risk and weaning.

Providers must have ongoing conversations with parents about the stage their child is at with solid foods, including textures. The framework makes clear that assumptions should not simply be made based on a child’s age.

Food should be prepared in a way that is suitable for each child’s individual developmental needs. Children must always be within sight and hearing while eating. Where possible, staff should sit facing children so they can spot signs of choking, food sharing or an unexpected allergic reaction.

This is especially important for baby rooms and toddler rooms, where children may be at different stages of weaning, chewing and swallowing.

3. Providers must have regard to screen-use guidance

The EYFS now specifically requires providers to have regard to DfE guidance on screen use.

The guidance says screen use should be avoided for children under 2, except in exceptional circumstances such as video calls. For children aged 2 to 5, screen use should be limited, used intentionally and linked to a clear purpose.

Screens should not be used as passive entertainment or behaviour management. Where screens are used, practitioners should think carefully about the quality of content, whether adults are co-engaging with children and whether the screen use is genuinely adding to learning.

This does not mean nurseries can never use technology. It means screen use should be purposeful, limited and suitable for young children.

4. Safeguarding policy and training expectations are clearer

The new EYFS includes safeguarding clarifications that providers should not overlook.

Safeguarding policies must include what action staff should take when there are safeguarding concerns about a child, what to do if an allegation is made against a staff member and how mobile phones, cameras and electronic devices with image-sharing capabilities are used.

The framework also gives more detail about safeguarding training. This includes recognising signs of abuse and neglect, inappropriate behaviour by adults, the sharing of images, allegations management, safer recruitment, online safety and creating a safe organisational culture.

This means safeguarding cannot just be treated as a certificate or a policy in a folder. Staff need to understand how to apply safeguarding knowledge in real situations.

5. Banned dog breeds must not be present

The new EYFS states that banned dog breeds must not be kept or present on the premises at any time.

This is especially relevant for childminders, childcare on domestic premises and any setting where a dog could be present on the same premises as childcare.

The wording includes banned dog breeds under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, including XL Bully types. The restriction applies even if the owner has a certificate of exemption.

For childminders and domestic premises, this is a very clear requirement. If a banned breed is present or kept on the premises, registered childcare cannot be provided there.