Sun 06 Apr 2025
As early years providers, it is crucial to stay informed about the evolving landscape of safeguarding in the nursery settings. With the recent announcement of changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) safeguarding reforms, which will come into effect from September 2025, it is time to prepare for these significant updates. This blog post will outline the key changes and what they mean for your practice.
1.Safer Recruitment: Providers must secure references from a current or recent employer, training provider, or educational setting before hiring staff. References should include any safeguarding concerns and must be timely.
2.Child Absences: There are new mandates for prompt follow-up on child absences, especially for extended periods. Providers should have a clear attendance policy and maintain more than two emergency contact numbers for each child.
3.Safeguarding Training: A new minimum standard for safeguarding training is introduced in Annex C of the EYFS. All practitioners must complete training ensuring proper safeguarding knowledge and skills.
4.Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The "lead practitioner" role is now the "designated safeguarding lead" (DSL). Every setting must appoint a DSL trained in essential safeguarding topics, including internet safety.
5.Safer Eating: A staff member with a valid paediatric first aid certificate must be present during mealtimes, alongside new guidelines addressing solid food introduction and choking prevention.
6.Toileting and Privacy: New reforms emphasize respecting children's privacy during toileting and nappy changing, balancing safeguarding with support needs to create a secure environment.
7.Whistleblowing: Providers must implement whistleblowing procedures to promote transparency and support staff in raising concerns, thereby enhancing the safeguarding culture.
8.Paediatric First Aid: Updates include that staff:child ratios now consider students (17+), volunteers (17+), and apprentices (16+) who must all possess valid paediatric first aid certificates to improve child safety in early years settings.
How can Hello Mums lend a helping hand with your preparations?
We recognise the vital importance of Safeguarding training for nurseries.
If you're already registered with us as a nursery, you can access our comprehensive Safeguarding course at no cost from the Hello Mums Academy, along with a variety of our free CPD courses. We are committed to supporting you in ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in your care. Click the links below for the Safeguarding and other Hello Mums' Academy Courses.