Nursery News: EYFS Changes, Ofsted Focus & Summer Safeguarding
Staying up to date with the latest sector guidance, regulatory framework updates, and safety standards is essential for anyone working in early years education. Whether you are a nursery owner, a permanent room leader, or a temporary practitioner out on placement, maintaining high standards of care and compliance ensures that children remain safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
In this week's sector update, we bring together three key developments every early years professional should know: the upcoming September 2026 EYFS Framework statutory changes, Ofsted’s unannounced safeguarding inspection priorities, and essential summer safeguarding and heat-safety guidelines.
Major Sector News: The Updated EYFS Framework (1 September 2026)
The Department for Education (DfE) has officially published the revised EYFS Statutory Framework, coming into force on 1 September 2026. Ofsted will be inspecting settings against these exact standards.
Key updates every practitioner should know:
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Expanded Disclosure Duties: All staff and candidates must now disclose any arrests or charges, not just formal convictions or cautions.
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Broadened Harm Reporting: Settings must now report any allegations of "harm" or abuse to Ofsted—the wording has been updated to remove the restriction of only reporting "serious" harm.
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New Screen Use Guidance: Formal digital literacy guidelines are embedded: no screen time for under-2s, a maximum of 1 hour daily for ages 2–5, and avoiding toys or devices with built-in AI features.
Ofsted Focus: 3,000 Unannounced Safeguarding Inspections
Ofsted has funded 3,000 additional unannounced inspections to ensure settings maintain the highest safeguarding standards.
What this means for you on shift:
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Your "Fresh Eyes" Matter: Inspectors love seeing an open safeguarding culture. Even if you're only covering a single shift in a room, your vigilance is vital.
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Know the DSL: The moment you walk into a new setting, always identify the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
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Never Assume: If you notice a sudden shift in a child's behavior, an unusual mark, or practice that doesn't feel right, report it immediately to the DSL. Never assume a permanent member of staff has already handled it.
Summer Safeguarding & Safer Sleep Reminders
With warmer summer weather across the UK, keeping children cool and hydrated is a key safeguarding priority:
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Keep Sleep Rooms Cool: Sleep areas must stay strictly between 16–20°C. Check if a baby is overheating by feeling their chest or the back of their neck (not their hands or feet).
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Hydration & Sun Safety: Ensure fresh water is accessible at all times, and follow setting rules for sunscreen application and shaded play during outdoor time.
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Pram Safety: Never cover a pram, buggy, or pushchair with a blanket or muslin cloth—this creates a dangerous "greenhouse" heat trap inside.
Grow the Nexter Team (and your bank balance!)
We love working with professional, safety-conscious practitioners who stay informed and reliable. If you know a friend, former colleague, or student looking for flexible nursery work, refer them to the Nexter family!
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The Reward: Receive £100 cash straight to your account.
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The Condition: Your referral simply needs to complete their first 100 hours with us.
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How to Refer: Reply to this email with their contact details or have them mention your name when they register.
For all our current vacancies click here
For our West Yorkshire Vacancies click here
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Click here for our current permanent roles
To speak to us about our job opportunities or if you need cover in your Nursery then call Emma on 0113 328 0668.
July 2026- Emma Pink, West Yorkshire Consultant (BA Hons, PCGE- Primary 3-11, Previous Early Years Manager)
