A new EYFS statutory framework for childminders came into force on 1 September 2026, replacing the September 2025 version. Most of it is the same, but six things changed, and each one means checking a policy or a line in your contract.
The changes
- Safer sleep is now in the framework itself. The safer sleep requirements sit in the main body of the EYFS, so you no longer have to look them up in separate guidance. More in my safer sleep guide.
- You must have regard to the screen use guidance. The Department for Education published screen use guidance for early years settings in July 2026, and the EYFS now says you must have regard to it. More in my screen time guide.
- No childcare where a banned dog breed is kept or present. This applies to your premises at any time, including visiting dogs. More in my pets guide.
- Allegations of harm must be reported. You now report allegations of "harm" to Ofsted or your agency. The old wording was "serious harm", so the threshold is lower. It covers anyone living, working or looking after children at your premises.
- Volunteers need checks. Volunteers, including supervised ones, need an enhanced DBS check with barred lists. New staff can't start until their check has come back.
- What people must tell you about themselves has changed. The list of things staff must disclose now covers arrests, charges, convictions, cautions, court orders, reprimands and warnings, whether they happened before or during their time with you.
There are also smaller wording changes that make existing requirements clearer.
What to update
Most childminders working alone need to change three things: their safeguarding policy (allegations of harm), their health and safety or pets wording (banned breeds and safer sleep), and a short new section on screen use. If you have an assistant or a volunteer, check their DBS and their disclosure in writing too.
Your contract should agree with your policies, so if your contract mentions sleep, pets or allegations, check those lines as well.
Questions people ask
When did the new EYFS start? On 1 September 2026. The framework for childminders is dated 13 July 2026.
Do I need to tell parents about the changes? It's good practice to send families your updated policies and point out what changed, and the Childcare Register requires you to give parents copies of your written policies.
Where is the official framework? On GOV.UK, as the EYFS statutory framework for childminders.
GoChildmind's contract and policies are written against the September 2026 framework, and the sample shows the current wording.