What Are the Key EYFS Changes Coming in September 2026?
With the updated EYFS framework coming into effect in September 2026, early years leaders and practitioners are considering what the changes will mean for their settings.
The updates are largely focused on safeguarding and welfare requirements, including:
- Clearer safer sleep requirements.
- New expectations around children's screen use.
- Enhanced criminal records checks for volunteers.
- Restrictions on staff starting work before checks have been completed.
- Strengthened reporting and suitability requirements.
As expected, much of the discussion across the sector has centred on implementation and ensuring settings are prepared for the new requirements.
Exploring the EYFS Changes Through a PSED Lens
Alongside the practical considerations, the updates also present an opportunity to reflect on children's day-to-day experiences within early years settings.
Many of the changes are designed to strengthen the environments surrounding children and support their safety and wellbeing.
Viewed through a PSED lens, this raises some interesting questions.
- What helps children feel safe within a setting?
- How do relationships support confidence, emotional wellbeing and resilience?
- How does a sense of belonging influence children's readiness to learn?
These questions are not separate from the practical discussions taking place across the sector. Rather, they help broaden the conversation and keep children's lived experiences at the centre.
What Do the EYFS Changes Mean for Children's PSED and Wellbeing?
While the September 2026 updates are primarily focused on safeguarding and welfare, there are clear connections to the experiences that underpin personal, social and emotional development.
Children's emotional wellbeing is shaped by the environments they spend time in, the adults who care for them and the relationships they build.
Feeling safe, understood and connected supports children's confidence, emotional regulation and ability to engage with learning. These foundations remain central to positive outcomes in the early years.
The updated framework does not change the role of PSED, but it does provide a timely opportunity to revisit some of the conditions that help children flourish.
The Connection Between Safeguarding and Emotional Development
Safeguarding and emotional development are often discussed separately, yet both are concerned with creating environments where children can thrive.
Strong safeguarding practices help create the physical and emotional conditions children need to feel secure. Equally, nurturing relationships, connection and belonging help children develop the confidence to explore, communicate and engage fully with the world around them.
This relationship between safety, wellbeing and development sits at the heart of the Thrive Approach.
Exploring the Bigger Picture Behind the EYFS Changes
As the sector prepares for September 2026, there is an opportunity to think beyond what is changing and consider how the changes connect to children's everyday experiences.
Join Thrive's Viv Task-Hall, alongside specialist early-years guest speaker Cheryl Warren, for a discussion exploring What the Updated EYFS Means for PSED, Wellbeing and Everyday Practice.
The webinar covers:
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what is changing or being given greater emphasis in the updated framework
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what the safeguarding and welfare updates may mean for children’s development, wellbeing and everyday experiences
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why PSED remains an important foundation for learning
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how relationships, routines and everyday interactions shape children’s development
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what your team may want to look at more closely in practice
Sign up to get your on-demand recording.
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