New EYFS from 1 September changes safer sleep and banned dog rules

The Department for Education (DfE) has published new early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory frameworks, which take effect in England from 1 September 2026.

There is one framework for childminders and one for group and school-based providers. Both are dated 13 July 2026.

The DfE said the main changes to both frameworks are:

• updates on safer sleep
• a requirement for providers to have regard to screen use
• prohibiting childcare where banned dog breeds are present
• other safeguarding clarifications

Safer sleep

Both frameworks say babies and children must be placed down to sleep safely. For children under 2, the requirements include:

• placing children on their back in their own separate sleep space, on a firm flat surface such as a cot, bed or mattress on the floor
• babies aged 12 months and under must only be placed to sleep in a cot, which includes carrycots, Moses baskets and travel cots
• sleep spaces must only contain a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and lightweight bedding tucked in below the shoulders, or a well-fitted baby sleep bag
• cots must not contain extra items such as toys, pillows, extra blankets, bumpers, wedges or straps
• babies under six months must always have an adult with them in the same room for every sleep
• children must always be within sight and hearing of staff when sleeping

The frameworks also say practitioners must read NHS advice on sudden infant death syndrome.

Dogs, screens and other changes

Banned dog breeds, including the XL Bully type, must not be kept or present on the premises at any time. This applies even if the dog's owner has a certificate of exemption.

Providers must have regard to the guidance on children's screen use in early years settings named in the frameworks, 'Help for early years providers: Screen use'.

The group and school-based framework adds a requirement for providers of childcare on domestic premises. They must tell Ofsted or their childminder agency about changes to people aged 16 or over living or working on the premises.

The frameworks also note that the Crime and Policing Act 2026 removed a previous exemption for supervised unpaid activity.

This means unpaid activities such as caring for or supervising children now count as regulated activity if done frequently, on more than 3 days in a 30-day period, or overnight.