Safeguarding Bulletin - 22 July 2026
Information and advice for early years staff on the safeguarding requirements in the EYFS
The DfE has published new safeguarding guidance for early years providers to help practitioners, managers and childminders understand and apply the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the EYFS.
The new content provides practical information and advice on creating a strong safeguarding culture, recognising concerns early, responding appropriately, and ensuring children are safe, healthy and supported to thrive. The guidance includes information on:
the safeguarding responsibilities of early years providers and practitioners
the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
creating and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture
recognising signs of possible abuse, neglect and harm
raising, recording and reporting safeguarding concerns
whistleblowing procedures and when to use them
safer recruitment and vetting requirements
working in partnership with parents and carers to keep children safe
staff training, supervision and ongoing safeguarding practice
attendance, absence monitoring and information sharing
resources, posters and links to further guidance and support
Protecting all vulnerable babies better
The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel's national review, Protecting All Vulnerable Babies Better, examines the wider safeguarding lessons arising from the death of baby Victoria Marten.
Whilst the circumstances of this particular case were exceptional, the review concludes that many of the safeguarding challenges are encountered regularly across all services working with babies and their families. One of its strongest messages is that practitioners must consciously keep the baby at the centre of every assessment and decision, particularly when adults' needs, behaviours or circumstances attempt to dominate professionals.
Prevent funding cuts: continuing to safeguard with confidence
For some time now, areas in England with the highest risks regarding radicalisation and extremism have received additional funding, often in the form of a Prevent Officer for the area. Working directly with safeguarding leads in schools, this additional support resulted in tailored training and advice when it came to referrals and interventions.
In the last three years there has been less funding and many areas of the country are now losing access to this valuable support. If this is you, there are still people and places you can reach out to.
Early Years Foundation Stage 2026 - Strengthening safeguarding in the early years
The Department for Education has published updated EYFS Statutory Frameworks for both childminders and group and school-based providers, which come into effect from 1 September 2026.
Whilst many of the changes clarify existing expectations, several represent a strengthening of safeguarding requirements. Early years providers should take time to review the revised framework, update policies where necessary and ensure all staff understand what the changes mean in practice.
Screen use in the early years – practical guidance for providers
Digital technology is part of everyday life, and our youngest children are growing up in a world where screens are commonplace.
The Department for Education's guidance reminds us that the question is not whether children should use technology, but how, when and why it is used.
Find out what EY settings need to know
‘You’re So Real’: launch of film and school resource pack
The Anti-Bullying Alliance and Haringey Shed have partnered to create a school resource pack to support KS2 and KS3 teachers using the film ‘You’re So Real’.
Developed alongside young people, ‘You’re So Real’ is a filmed live performance that aims to engage and educate children and young people, giving them space to explore and reflect on what challenges may come their way in the future. The performance addresses themes of anti-bullying, mental health, mobile phones and social media at school, and emphasises the importance of being kind to others and yourself. It aims to help support children affected identify someone they trust to talk about their situation.
The resource pack explores themes relating to:
Screen use and digital habits
Online identity and authenticity
Online bullying and digital wellbeing
Wellbeing and mental health
Peer relationships and social pressure
Communication and empathy
Asking for help and seeking support
Find out more and download the resource pack
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