Take-aways of the 2025 EYFS statutory framework
The 2025 EYFS statutory framework update brings several important changes affecting how nurseries approach safeguarding, staffing ratios, qualifications, SEND, assessment, and the curriculum. Here are the main takeaways and what they mean in practice.
7 key changes in the 2025 framework
Revised Safeguarding & Welfare Requirements
Updated procedures for identifying and responding to concerns. Stronger requirements for staff training and ongoing professional development. Digital safety and online safeguarding guidance now included for the first time.
Changes to Staff:Child Ratios
Some settings now have increased flexibility in how ratios are applied, especially for 2-year-olds (see section 3.31). Clarified guidance on when ratios can be relaxed — for example, during staff breaks or genuine emergencies.
Paediatric First Aid Requirements
All newly qualified staff must hold a full Paediatric First Aid certificate. Refresher training and evidence of up-to-date certificates are explicitly required. Automated expiry tracking is no longer optional best practice — it’s an operational necessity.
Greater Emphasis on SEND & Inclusion
More explicit guidance on supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. Providers must work closely with parents and other professionals — documentation of this collaboration is expected during inspections.
Reduced Paperwork & Streamlined Assessment
Streamlined assessment processes to reduce unnecessary documentation for practitioners. The focus explicitly shifts to meaningful observations and interactions rather than excessive record-keeping.
Curriculum Flexibility
Greater flexibility for settings to design their own curriculum while meeting statutory requirements. Encouragement to focus on language, communication, and personal development as the foundation for all learning.
Physical Activity & Wellbeing
Stronger emphasis on daily physical activity and outdoor play. Clearer requirements for promoting healthy eating, emotional wellbeing, and the importance of consistent relationships between children and practitioners.
Action points for nurseries & practitioners
- Review and update safeguarding policies and staff training to reflect the 2025 requirements
- Check staff:child ratios and ensure compliance with the updated guidance (particularly section 3.31)
- Ensure all new staff hold valid Paediatric First Aid certificates — set up automated expiry tracking if you haven’t already
- Streamline assessment practices to focus on quality observations, not quantity of documentation
- Adapt curriculum planning to prioritise communication, language, and wellbeing
- Enhance support for children with SEND and document collaborative working with families
- Review online safety policies in light of new digital safeguarding guidance