Early Years Foundation Stage

Please note: On January 4th 2024, a childminder specific EYFS will be in force. Click here for the current and most recent EYFS documents Any references to the EYFS Welfare Requirements below, state both the current and new versions.

The Early Years Foundation Stage document is the National Framework that all registered childminders in England work to. If you are a childminder in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, your regulations are different and you can find information about what you will work to by using the links below.

Scotland Childminding Association

Wales; Care and Social Services Inspectorate

Northern Ireland Childminding Association

If you are registered on the Early Years Register to care for children from birth to the 31st August after their 5th birthday, you will need to abide by the Early Years Foundation Stage.

The EYFS comprises the Statutory Framework which contains your legal responsibilities for children’s health, safety, learning and development as well as guidance documents that can help you to meet the statutory requirements.

The EYFS states that certain records need keeping in writing. While it suggests that childminders do not need to have their policies in writing, and that the childminder can decide if risk assessments are recorded or not, it can be deemed good practice to have these documents in writing too in order to show how childminders can relate the information to parents and others who need to know. It is a requirement that childminders maintain the records needed and share them with parents, carers and other professionals including the police, social services and Ofsted as appropriate. See more about keeping records.