Since 1st September 2026, updates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework have come into effect across England. The revised framework introduces a number of important changes, with a particular focus on children’s safety, wellbeing and healthy development, including strengthened safer sleep requirements and new guidance around children’s screen use.
At YMCA Fairthorne Group Nurseries, we are pleased to confirm that our existing practices already align with these updated requirements. The changes reinforce approaches that have long been part of our commitment to providing safe, nurturing and high-quality early years education and care. For parents, the updated guidance provides additional reassurance that the practices already in place across our nurseries reflect the latest national standards and best practice.
Continuing Our Commitment to Safer Sleep
One of the most significant updates to the EYFS framework is the increased focus on safer sleep practices for babies and young children. Safer sleep requirements are now embedded directly within the statutory framework, highlighting the importance of consistent and robust approaches across the sector.
At YMCA Fairthorne Group Nurseries, safer sleep has always been a key part of our infant care provision. We are pleased to confirm that our established procedures already align with the updated guidance.
Our teams continue to:
- Place babies on their backs to sleep.
- Provide a separate, appropriate sleep space for each child.
- Use firm, flat sleep surfaces.
- Keep cots free from unnecessary items such as pillows, toys and cot bumpers.
- Conduct regular monitoring and sleep checks.
- Work closely with parents to support individual sleep routines while maintaining safe sleep practices.
The updated framework provides further reassurance that these well-established practices are recognised nationally as the safest approach for babies and young children.
Why Sleep Matters
Quality sleep is essential to a child’s development. Research consistently demonstrates that sleep supports learning, memory, emotional regulation, physical growth and overall wellbeing.
Children who are well-rested are often better able to:
- Participate in learning experiences.
- Build positive relationships.
- Regulate emotions and behaviour.
- Engage confidently in play.
- Develop language and communication skills.
By working closely with families and maintaining consistent approaches between home and nursery, we can help children establish healthy sleep habits that support their development.
Supporting Healthy Sleep at Home
The updated EYFS guidance also provides a useful opportunity to share some practical advice with families about supporting healthy sleep routines.
Simple steps that can make a difference include:
- Following a consistent bedtime routine.
- Creating a calm and predictable wind-down period before bed.
- Keeping bedrooms cool, comfortable and free from distractions.
- Reading stories together before sleep.
- Limiting stimulating activities shortly before bedtime.
- Reducing screen use in the hour before sleep where possible.
Small, consistent routines can help children feel secure and support better quality sleep.
A Balanced Approach to Screen Use
Alongside safer sleep, the revised Early Years Foundation Stage framework introduces new guidance around children’s screen use. Early years providers are now required to have regard to national guidance promoting thoughtful, age-appropriate and purposeful use of screens.
At YMCA Fairthorne Group Nurseries, this reflects an approach we have long championed.
We believe young children learn best through:
- Play and exploration.
- Face-to-face interaction.
- Storytelling and conversation.
- Creative activities.
- Physical activity and outdoor experiences.
- Meaningful relationships with trusted adults.
Technology can support learning in limited and appropriate ways, but it should never replace the rich real-world experiences that are so important during the early years.
Practical Advice for Families on Screen Use
As parents navigate an increasingly digital world, it can sometimes be difficult to know how much screen time is appropriate for young children. The latest guidance encourages families to focus on balance and quality rather than simply counting minutes.
Some helpful considerations include:
Prioritise Play
Children learn most effectively through active play, movement, conversation and exploration. Screens should complement these experiences rather than replace them.
Watch Together
If children are using screens, try to join them where possible. Talking about what they are watching helps develop language, understanding and critical thinking.
Create Screen-Free Moments
Regular screen-free times, particularly during family meals, outdoor activities and bedtime routines, help support children’s social development and wellbeing.
Avoid Screens Before Bedtime
Using screens immediately before sleep can make it harder for children to settle. Stories, songs and quiet play are often more effective ways to help children prepare for bed.
Be a Positive Role Model
Children learn from the adults around them. Demonstrating healthy technology habits can help children develop a balanced relationship with screens as they grow.
Strengthening Safeguarding Standards
Alongside updates relating to safer sleep and screen use, the revised Early Years Foundation Stage framework also introduces a number of enhanced safeguarding requirements. These include strengthened recruitment and suitability checks, including enhanced DBS and Children’s Barred List checks, helping to ensure that everyone working with children is suitable to do so.
We are pleased to confirm that these requirements are already reflected within our safeguarding and recruitment processes across YMCA Fairthorne Group Nurseries. Robust safeguarding procedures have always been a fundamental part of our commitment to keeping children safe, and the revised framework reinforces many of the standards already embedded within our settings.
The updated framework also introduces new requirements relating to banned dog breeds. Registered childcare cannot take place on premises where a banned dog breed is present.
While this is unlikely to affect most families, we are taking the opportunity to remind parents that this requirement applies to any banned breed being brought onto nursery premises, even briefly, such as during drop-off or collection by a family member or visitor.
As part of our wider safeguarding responsibilities, if concerns arise regarding the presence of a banned breed within a child’s home environment, our teams may discuss this sensitively with families. These conversations form part of our commitment to supporting children’s safety and wellbeing and, as with all safeguarding matters, are approached in a supportive and professional manner.
Working Together
At YMCA Fairthorne Group Nurseries, we know that parents and nursery practitioners are partners in supporting children’s development. The 2026 Early Years Foundation Stage updates provide further confidence that the approaches already embedded within our nurseries reflect the very latest national expectations.
Vikki Kennesion, Early Years Director, said:
“We are pleased to confirm that the strengthened requirements within the updated EYFS framework reflect the high standards already embedded across our nurseries. From safer sleep practices and healthy approaches to screen use, to robust safeguarding procedures and safer recruitment processes, families can be confident that our provision continues to align with national best practice. Our focus remains on providing safe, nurturing environments where every child can thrive.”
As always, if you have any questions about the updated EYFS framework, safer sleep, healthy screen use or any aspect of safeguarding, please speak to your nursery manager, who will be happy to help.
For more information, please visit
Help for early years providers : Changes to the EYFS framework from 1 September 2026
