14 Jul What Early Years Educators Need to Know About the New DfE EYFS Curriculum (September 2025)
Starting from September 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) will introduce important changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, published today (14/7/25). These reforms aim to strengthen safeguarding, enhance wellbeing, and refine curriculum delivery to better support children’s development in early years settings across England.
At Moore Teachers, we understand how vital it is for early years professionals, teachers, and childcare providers to stay informed and prepared. This blog outlines everything you need to know about the 2025 EYFS curriculum updates, helping you ensure your practice and policies are fully compliant and focused on the highest standards.
Overview of the 2025 EYFS Framework Updates
The DfE has revised the EYFS framework with a focus on three main areas:
1. Enhanced Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment Procedures
One of the most significant updates relates to safeguarding. Settings must now:
- Obtain references before employing new staff, alongside existing criminal records and suitability checks.
- Implement clearer procedures to confirm that only suitable individuals are employed.
- Strengthen policies around child absence monitoring, requiring prompt follow-up on unexplained or prolonged absences to protect vulnerable children.
These measures ensure that every child is cared for in a safe, trusted environment.
2. Focused Health and Wellbeing Safeguards
Health and wellbeing remain a cornerstone of the EYFS. Key changes include:
- Paediatric First Aid (PFA) training now mandatory for early years students and trainees included in staff-to-child ratios. This raises the bar for immediate care in emergencies.
- New protocols to ensure safer eating environments and privacy considerations during nappy changing and toileting, balancing dignity with safeguarding responsibilities.
By reinforcing these practices, settings support children’s physical health alongside their emotional safety.
3. Curriculum and Assessment Flexibility
The 2025 EYFS reforms emphasize quality interactions over paperwork. Early years educators will benefit from:
- Greater flexibility in assessment timing, allowing practitioners to tailor observations to each child’s developmental journey.
- A shift towards meaningful, responsive engagements that foster learning rather than ticking boxes.
This approach supports holistic development and reflects best practice in early childhood education.
What Early Years Settings Must Do to Comply
To align with the new EYFS requirements, early years providers should:
- Review and update recruitment policies to include the new referencing and suitability checks.
- Train all staff and trainees in paediatric first aid and ensure safeguarding training is refreshed regularly.
- Implement clear attendance monitoring systems and policies that prioritize child safety.
- Communicate the changes to parents and carers, building trust through transparency.
Why These Changes Matter for Early Years Professionals
The 2025 EYFS framework updates reflect a commitment to protecting children, supporting staff, and delivering high-quality education. As an early years professional or provider, staying informed and compliant ensures your setting remains a safe, nurturing place where every child can thrive.
The upcoming EYFS reforms mark a crucial evolution in early years education, prioritising children’s safety, health, and development through enhanced safeguarding and flexible curriculum delivery. Early years professionals must embrace these changes proactively to ensure excellent outcomes for every child.