Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements

Centre of Expertise on Sexual Abuse: New Guidance and Webinar

The Centre of Expertise on Sexual Abuse has published a new step by step guide for early years provision to help improve the response to child sexual abuse. 

For more information visit: New Publication: Centre of Expertise on Sexual Abuse – Bolton Start Well

Create and Maintain Safer Sleep Environments for Babies and Young Children

The DfE has published new guidance for early years providers: Help for early years providers : Safer sleep

The guidance has been developed in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust and supports planned updates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, expected to come into effect from September 2026.

It includes information on:

• how to provide an appropriate sleep space for babies and children
• safe use of cots, mattresses, bedding and sleep bags, including relevant British Standards
• how to supervise children while they are sleeping
• what to do when babies and children fall asleep while travelling,
• managing temperature, positioning and the use of comforters

By following this guidance, you can help keep children safe and meet EYFS requirements, while supporting consistent practice across early years settings.

Further information is available through NHS guidance on sudden infant death syndrome and from The Lullaby Trust.

Until the guidance above comes into effect, please continue to follow the EYFS statutory framework on sleeping arrangements (section 3.84). The EYFS statutory framework will be updated in time for September, in line with the above new DfE guidance.
 

The Lullaby Trust poster for childcare providers

A handy poster with advice on what babies should sleep in in early years settings. Poster for Childcare Providers

 

Ofsted’s Update: Banned Dog Breeds and Domestic Childcare

Please note Ofsted’s position on banned dog breeds and domestic childcare.

Ofsted has confirmed its position regarding banned dog breeds in domestic childcare settings. Ofsted do not believe that banned breeds are compatible with childcare. This means any dog classified as a banned breed must be kept in an entirely separate area with no access to any space used by children when childcare takes place. Please be advised, Ofsted has worked with the Department for Education and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to reach this decision.

Please refer to the updated registration guidance. This impacts childminders and childcare on domestic premises providers.

If Ofsted become aware that an existing provider has a banned breed of dog on the premises, they may need to take action to remove the risk to children. Providers already registered to provide childcare from a domestic premises where a banned breed of dog resides should contact Ofsted.

Inspectors will discuss the possible options available to providers and applicants as part of their work.

If you have any questions, please contact EYRegulatoryandSocialCare@ofsted.gov.uk

Useful information

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) safeguarding reforms: Summary of changes