Every staff member, assistant, or trainee must have at least two verified references, with one from the most recent employer (or tutor if they haven't yet worked).
Open references or those written by friends/family are no longer acceptable.
Your safeguarding policy must include safer recruitment checks and demonstrate how recruitment is monitored day to day.
✅ Inspection focus: Inspectors will check personnel files for references, DBS checks, and evidence of safer recruitment practice.
You must:
Have a clear and timely process for following up on unexplained absences.
Keep at least two emergency contacts for every child.
Escalate prolonged or unexplained absences to social care or the police when appropriate.
✅ Inspection focus: Attendance registers and absence logs will be checked to see how quickly concerns are acted upon.
At every meal or snack, a PFA-trained adult must be present within sight and hearing.
Children must be seated facing an adult to reduce choking risks.
Food sharing must be prevented.
Follow the new DfE nutrition guidance, which now replaces old menu examples.
✅ Inspection focus: Inspectors will observe mealtimes and check allergy records and menu planning.
The role of Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) replaces the old “lead practitioner.”
DSL training must be renewed every 2 years, with an annual refresher in between.
Training records for safeguarding, PFA, and induction must be up to date and ready to show.
✅ Inspection focus: Expect inspectors to ask your DSL about their training and check logs for all staff.
Every setting must have a whistleblowing procedure in place.
Staff and volunteers must know how to raise concerns safely and who to contact.
Display NSPCC helpline contact details and consider offering anonymous reporting options.
✅ Inspection focus: Inspectors will ask staff if they know how to report concerns outside of the management chain.
Every adult included in ratios must have a valid Paediatric First Aid certificate.
Certificates must be current and accessible.
Rota planning must ensure a PFA-trained adult is present at every mealtime.
✅ Inspection focus: Inspectors may request to see PFA certificates and evidence of rota coverage.
Nappy changing and intimate care must balance dignity and safeguarding.
Children should have privacy, but procedures must also ensure staff accountability and oversight.
Policies must make clear how safeguarding is upheld during intimate care.
✅ Inspection focus: Inspectors may ask about intimate care procedures and check that staff know how to maintain dignity and safety.
The EYFS September 2025 updates raise the bar for safeguarding practice. To help you stay confident and compliant, I’ve created:
- EYFS 2025-compliant Safeguarding Policy & Procedures Template: https://www.eyfstraininghub.com/course/safeguarding-policies-and-procedures-for-childminders-2025-2026
- Updated DSL Training, tailored for childminders and early years leaders: https://www.eyfstraininghub.com/course/advanced-dsl
🌟 Special September Offer: Sign up to EYFSTrainingHub.com this month and get your first 12 months for just £5 per month.
With the right policies, training, and evidence in place, you’ll be ready for your Ofsted or CMA inspection and confident that your safeguarding practice is fully aligned.
👉 Visit www.EYFSTrainingHub.com today to access your compliant safeguarding template and enrol in DSL training.
