BLOG TITLE: Big Changes Are Coming This September: Here’s What You Need to Know (Without the Stress)

by Rebecca Butler May 1, 2025

Let’s be honest, just when we finally feel like we’ve got our heads around everything we’re supposed to be doing, something changes. Sound familiar?

With the new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2025 framework landing this September, I know a lot of us are feeling that mix of “here we go again” and “how on earth am I going to keep up?”

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you are absolutely not alone. These updates affect all of us - from childminders and nursery teams to managers and room leaders, and they’re coming in fast. But don’t panic. I’ve done the legwork to break it all down into plain English so you know exactly what’s changing and what you need to have in place before September rolls around.

Let’s get into it…

What’s Changing in the EYFS from September 2025?

Here’s a simple breakdown of the key updates (with no jargon and no fluff):

1. Nutrition Guidance Becomes a Must-Do (Not a Nice-to-Have)

From September, you’ll be expected to follow the official government nutrition guidance when providing meals, snacks, and drinks - unless there’s a very good reason not to.

What you need to do:

Check your menus: Are they balanced and healthy?
Think drinks: Water and milk only — no squash, no juice.
Train your team: Everyone needs to understand what counts as a nutritious option.
Let families know: If they send food in, it should meet the new guidance too (and you’ll want to approach this with kindness and clarity).

Need a bit of help getting this sorted?

I’ve created a Nutrition Support Pack to save you time and take the guesswork out of this. It includes three weeks of fully planned menus, matching recipes, a packed lunch ideas sheet, editable templates for food policies and allergy records, and even a section on helping children learn about healthy eating. It’s genuinely designed to make this change as simple and stress-free as possible.

2. Safeguarding Requirements Are Tightening Up

There are a few key changes to how we protect children and stay compliant:

What you need to do:

Have a clear whistleblowing policy and make sure all staff know how to use it.
You must now collect two emergency contacts per child (minimum).
References for new staff are a must — even if you’ve known them for years.
Attendance should be monitored daily and patterns reviewed.
Safeguarding training should now be refreshed at least every two years — not just “when needed.”

If your safeguarding policy is looking a bit dusty, now is the time to give it a refresh and make sure your team is confident with it all.

3. Big Changes to Inspections: Bye-Bye Judgements, Hello Report Cards

Ofsted is ditching the single-word judgements (like ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’) in favour of more detailed report cards.

What this means:

You’ll get clearer feedback in each area: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership/management.
It’s less about a label, and more about the full picture — helping parents understand your setting better.

How to prepare:

Start reviewing your strengths and areas for improvement under these new headings.
Think about how you’ll evidence what you do — not just say it, but show it.

Not sure where to start with prep?

I’ve pulled everything I’ve learned (as a provider AND a teacher) into a supportive, easy-to-follow Ofsted Inspection Guide made just for childminders and early years settings. It covers exactly what inspectors are looking for, how to evidence your curriculum, example safeguarding questions, the 3 I’s, and more — plus some bonus templates to make your life easier. There’s even a printed version with a protective cover if you prefer to have a physical copy on hand.

4. A New Way to Count Staff Towards Ratios: The Experience-Based Route (EBR)

This one’s a game-changer for settings struggling with recruitment. A new route is being introduced that allows staff without a formal Level 3 qualification to count in ratio if they’ve built up enough experience and meet key requirements.

To be eligible, staff must:

Complete 750–900 hours of supervised practice.
Be assessed by a manager or assessor in your setting.
Meet requirements around paediatric first aid and English.

This could open up new opportunities for experienced staff who haven’t gone down the traditional qualification route. It’s worth exploring now if you think it could benefit your team.

So What Should You Be Doing Now?

Here’s your friendly “to-do list” to get ahead of September without burning out:

Review your policies: Safeguarding, food, staff recruitment — make sure they reflect the 2025 changes.
Update training records: Book in safeguarding refreshers and talk to your team about nutrition.
Audit your menus and snack routines: Make sure they align with the guidance (and grab the Nutrition Pack if you need support).
Check your emergency contacts and staff files: Update where needed.
Start gathering evidence ready for inspections: Think less paperwork, more meaningful examples of practice (the Inspection Pack will help here).
Support your team: Keep everyone informed and feeling confident — not confused.

You’ve Got This (and I’ve Got Your Back)

I know this feels like a lot — and it is. But you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

I’m working hard behind the scenes to keep everything up to date so you don’t have to scroll through endless government PDFs in your spare time (because who’s got spare time?!). Whether it’s through my Nutrition Support Pack, Ofsted Inspection Guide, or weekly newsletters, I’m here to make life that little bit easier for you.

If you haven’t already, make sure you’re signed up to my newsletter. It’s where I share the latest news, reminders, tips, and helpful ideas — so you can stay informed without the stress.

Let’s make September feel like a fresh start — not a full-blown panic.

You’re doing amazing things, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

With fairy dust and practical support,

The Childcare Fairy