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In the early years sector, safeguarding children is paramount and is a big responsibility for all early years educators. The Department for Education (DfE) recognises this critical need and is taking proactive steps to enhance the safeguarding requirements within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. As they launch a consultation on proposed changes, it’s evident that the safety and wellbeing of children remain at the forefront of their priorities.

Proposed changes to enhance safeguarding practices

The proposed changes seek to formalise and reinforce existing best practices within the early years sector. Acknowledging the efforts of practitioners and providers already implementing robust safety measures, the DfE aims to ensure that all individuals involved in early education and childcare have the necessary knowledge and support to uphold the highest standards of child safety.

During consultations involving various stakeholders and early years providers, the Department for Education (DfE) has identified certain aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) that could be enhanced. These areas include:

Safer recruitment

The proposal aims to enhance safer recruitment practices in early years settings. The intention is to mandate providers to obtain references for new staff alongside existing checks like criminal records and Ofsted suitability assessments. 

The proposal outlines detailed procedures for obtaining references, including verifying sources, not accepting open or familial references, and addressing any discrepancies. Additionally, it suggests integrating safer recruiting information into safeguarding policies, recording staff qualifications and vetting details for accountability. For childminders, the proposal extends to ensuring suitability of all individuals with regular child contact on the premises. 

Overall, the objective is to ensure robust and consistent evaluation of staff suitability to prioritise child safety in early years settings.

Child absences

The consultation highlights the importance of addressing repeated or prolonged absences of children from early years settings as potential indicators of safeguarding concerns, emphasising that timely follow-up could prevent serious harm. Proposed requirements include providers using professional judgement to investigate unexplained absences, maintaining an attendance policy shared with parents, and holding multiple emergency contacts per child to ensure prompt communication in emergencies. The consultation also suggests referring concerns to relevant authorities and tailoring actions based on the child’s vulnerability and family circumstances to ensure their safety and well-being.

Change ‘lead practitioner’ to ‘designated safeguarding lead (DSL)’

The proposed change aims to replace the term ‘lead practitioner’ with ‘designated safeguarding lead (DSL)’ in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidelines for group and school-based providers as well as childminders. This adjustment is intended to align the language with other education settings and to avoid confusion, as the term ‘lead practitioner’ may vary in meaning across different documents. The revised wording emphasises that the DSL holds responsibility for safeguarding children within their setting and outlines their duties, including liaison with relevant agencies and vigilance towards potential concerns in children’s lives.

Safeguarding Training Annex
This aims to establish minimum requirements for effective safeguarding training for both group and school-based providers as well as childminders. The Annex outlines criteria for training, emphasising understanding safeguarding policies, identifying signs of abuse or neglect, responding appropriately, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge. It mandates training renewal every three years and suggests annual refresher courses. Additionally, it stipulates specific training elements for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) such as building a safe organisational culture and managing allegations of abuse against staff. The intention is to equip practitioners with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure the safety and well-being of children under their care while providing clarity on training expectations.

Safeguarding training information in safeguarding policies

The proposal emphasises the significance of safeguarding training for early years practitioners, stressing that while training equips them with knowledge, effective implementation requires ongoing support from experienced staff. To ensure this support, there’s a suggestion to amend safeguarding policies in early years settings, mandating them to incorporate specifics on the delivery of safeguarding training and the mechanisms in place to assist practitioners in applying this knowledge consistently.

Paediatric first aid (PFA) for students and trainees

The proposal seeks to require students, volunteers, and apprentices in early education settings to hold a valid Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate for inclusion in staff ratios, aiming to increase the number of PFA-qualified staff to improve child safety and enable quick response to emergencies.

Changing the wording of the PFA training footnote

The proposed revision to footnotes 19 and 16 in the EYFS for group and school-based providers and childminders respectively aims to offer greater clarity and freedom of choice to providers when selecting a Paediatric First Aid (PFA) training provider. The new wording emphasises that there is no hierarchy among PFA training providers, but highlights that those affiliated with certain bodies, such as Trade Bodies with approval and monitoring schemes, Voluntary Aid Societies, and Ofqual Awarding organisations, are fully regulated. Additionally, it suggests referring to HSE’s guidance for further assistance in choosing a suitable first aid training provider.

The addition of a “safer eating” section

This aims to enhance safety during mealtimes and snack times for children in early years settings. Recognising the risks of choking incidents and allergic reactions, the Department for Education (DfE) intends to provide clearer guidance for providers, including childminders and group or school-based providers. The proposed wording emphasises the importance of obtaining and sharing information about dietary requirements, allergies, and health conditions, as well as collaborating with parents and health professionals to develop allergy action plans. It highlights the need for tailored food preparation based on each child’s developmental stage, the prevention of choking hazards, and ensuring children are seated safely during meals. Additionally, it underscores the necessity for staff to be trained in paediatric first aid and for incidents to be documented and reviewed to mitigate future risks.

Ensuring the privacy of children during toileting and nappy changing
While staff must be present to ensure children’s safety during these activities, it’s essential to also consider who else may be present and what can be seen. The proposed new wording emphasises the importance of respecting children’s privacy while ensuring their safeguarding and support needs are met during these moments.

Have your say, help to shape the future of safeguarding in the EYFS

The proposed improvements to safeguarding practices show a strong commitment to creating safe and caring environments in early years settings.

This consultation is an opportunity for everyone to share their ideas, making sure the rules stay up-to-date.

The DfE actively invites responses from a wide range of stakeholders, recognising that safeguarding concerns everyone who works within the early years sector. From childminders to group provision, from local authorities to Ofsted, each voice contributes to shaping policies that directly impact the safety and wellbeing of children.

Give your views, this consultation closes at 11:59 pm on 17 June 2024.