EYFS 2026: the four changes now in force
The new early years foundation stage framework covers safer sleep, screen use, banned dog breeds and telling Ofsted about adults on domestic premises.
What to do now
- Read your sleep policy against the new safer sleep wording.
- Write down how screens are used in each room, and why.
- If a dog lives at or visits your premises, check it against the banned breeds rule.
- Childminders: tell Ofsted about adults living or working on your premises.
The Department for Education's new early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework came into force on 1 September 2026.
It covers four areas: safer sleep, screen use, banned dog breeds, and telling Ofsted about adults living or working on domestic premises.
The EYFS has changed every year from 2023 to 2026. Each version is published in July and comes into force on 1 September.
Train your team on this: Safe Sleeping in Early Years, a short Hubba course (60 minutes) with a certificate at the end.
Over the border: Does this apply in Scotland?. No. Scotland does not use the EYFS. Settings there follow Realising the Ambition and the quality improvement framework shared by the Care Inspectorate and HM Inspectorate of Education. News for Scotland
Official sources
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