The Department for Education’s (DfE’s) Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework1 sets out requirements for learning and development, assessment and safeguarding and welfare in early years setting in England.
The framework is separated into two documents, one for childminders and one for group and school-based providers. This CASPAR briefing combines the two.
Our briefing summarises guidance from the EYFS framework and focuses on the safeguarding and welfare requirements section. This includes information on safe recruitment, supporting and understanding children’s behaviour, promoting good health and maintaining records, policies and procedures.
The 2025 edition of the framework replaces the 2024 version. For 2025, the following areas have been updated or added:
- safeguarding policies and procedures
- whistleblowing
- child absences
- references
- staff-to-child ratios
- safer eating
- toilets and intimate hygiene.
The 2025 edition of the framework is effective from 1 September 2025.
References
Department for Education (DfE) (2025) Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework [Accessed 22/07/2025].
