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CASPAR briefing

Publication date July 2026
Summary of the Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework

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 2026 edition of the framework replaces the 2025 version. For 2026, the following areas have been updated or added: 

  • sleeping arrangements
  • banned dog breeds
  • concerns about children’s safety and welfare
  • suitable people
  • changes that must be notified to Ofsted or the relevant agency
  • children’s screen use.

The 2026 edition of the framework is effective from 1 September 2026.

References

Department for Education (DfE) (2026) Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework. [Accessed 15/07/2026].
Summary of the Early years foundation stage statutory framework
Download the briefing (PDF)

CASPAR briefings

Our CASPAR briefings help people working or volunteering with children and young people understand changes to safeguarding and child protection policy and guidance. They also summarise key research and reports from independent bodies such as Ofsted and the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel.

> See the full list of briefings

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Training to help you meet the EYFS requirements

Our two-day training for DSLs and childminders meets and builds on the EYFS DSL training requirements. You’ll learn from expert trainers who will be on-hand to provide direct support and guidance. Practical exercises and discussions help consolidate your knowledge.

> See DSL training for early years settings

For a short overview, take our Safeguarding in early years masterclass. You'll learn about the key EYFS requirements and how to build a positive safeguarding culture.

> See Early years safeguarding masterclass

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