Early Years Foundation Stage 2026 published: What early years providers need to know
The Department for Education has now published the updated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, with separate versions for group and school-based providers and childminders. Both frameworks come into force on 1 September 2026.
The updated frameworks contain a number of important amendments across safeguarding, welfare requirements and early years practice. Whilst many of the changes build on existing expectations rather than introducing entirely new duties, every provider should use the summer period to familiarise themselves with the updated requirements and consider whether any changes to policies, procedures, training or day-to-day practice are required before September.
What should providers do now?
With implementation taking effect from 1 September, now is the ideal time to begin preparing.
Providers should consider:
- Reviewing the updated statutory framework relevant to their provision.
- Identifying whether any safeguarding, welfare or operational policies require amendment.
- Planning safeguarding and EYFS updates for staff before the autumn term.
- Ensuring managers, leaders and governors (where applicable) understand the changes and their implications.
- Reviewing any local procedures, documentation and quality assurance arrangements that may need updating before the new requirements come into force.
ISS Members – we'll take the hard work out of it
One of the benefits of ISS Membership is that you don't have to work through every amendment to statutory guidance on your own.
Over the coming weeks we will be supporting members with a comprehensive implementation package, including:
- Updating our EYFS safeguarding policies and templates so they fully reflect the September 2026 requirements.
- Making updated template documents available through the member dashboard ahead of implementation.
- Practical guidance explaining what the changes mean in everyday practice which will appear on dashboards.
- Ongoing advice and support from the ISS team where providers need clarification about how the new requirements apply within their own setting.
Our aim is simple: to save managers, designated safeguarding leads and providers valuable time by translating statutory guidance into practical actions.
Looking ahead to September
The publication of updated statutory guidance should not be a cause for concern.
By taking a planned and proportionate approach over the summer, providers will be well placed to implement the new requirements with confidence before they become statutory on 1 September 2026.
As always, ISS will continue to support members throughout the implementation period, ensuring that policies, templates, training and resources remain fully aligned with the latest statutory guidance.
If you're already an ISS member, keep an eye on your member dashboard over the coming days as updated resources begin to appear.
If you're not yet a member and would like expert support with implementing the EYFS 2026 framework, we'd be delighted to help.
You can access the updated statutory frameworks here:
- EYFS statutory framework (overview): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2
- Group and school-based providers: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a5105d61228eb26a4cab7af/Early_years_foundation_stage_statutory_framework_-_school-based_and_groups_2026.pdf
- Childminders: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a5105c59e9c95844ae64cfd/Early_years_foundation_stage_statutory_framework_-_childminders_2026.pdf
