Guide to EYFS safeguarding and compliance requirements

What is the EYFS Framework?

The EYFS is a framework in England that sets standards for learning, development, care and safeguarding for children from birth to the age of 5. Several areas are explored in the EYFS framework, including communication and language; social and emotional development, literacy, maths, physical development and more.

This framework provides essential guidance for early years providers on how to prepare and protect young children as they near primary schooling. Observation-based testing is used by practitioners, such as nursery staff and teachers, to assess how children communicate, learn, play and interact, to help monitor their development.

By the end of the reception year, an EYFS profile is completed, summarising how the child reaches their Early Learning Goals (ELGs) and whether they have met expected levels of development in the areas outlined in the EYFS framework.

What is safeguarding?

One of the core principles of the EYFS statutory framework is safeguarding. Safeguarding in EYFS refers to policies implemented to ensure the safety and protection of children from harm. As outlined in the EYFS framework, every Early Years Provider must be committed to keeping children safe, secure and cared for at all times.

EYFS providers are required to have specific policies that align with the statutory guidance documentation Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Working Together to Safeguard Children. 

A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is also required in each Early Years Provider (including nurseries, preschools and reception classes) and they are responsible for ensuring these policies are implemented. Staff must undergo safeguarding training to learn how to identify issues such as abuse and neglect, how to respond to and report these issues and how to prevent harm. The EYFS framework also outlines guidelines for safe recruitment and maintaining a safe learning environment. 

However, in 2023, Ofsted found that out of 400 Early Years Providers deemed Inadequate, 96% were found to have ineffective EYFS safeguarding. In that same year, 350 providers were suspended as an interim safety measure. In its 2024 report, Ofsted emphasised that most cases of ineffective safeguarding are the result of a lack of ​“basic understanding of how to respond to, and report, concerns about children.” 

This highlights the critical importance of effective EYFS safeguarding practices for every Early Years Provider.

Safety measure that support EYFS safeguarding

A key part of fostering a safe environment where children are protected is ensuring school safety solutions are in place and that they align with the EYFS framework as well as the statutory guidance outlined in KCSIE.

These measures might include access control and visitor management, video surveillance and emergency communication systems, and there are several key factors to consider when it comes to each of these components:

Common security concerns in early years settings

Proper EYFS safeguarding when it comes to security technology means balancing effective solutions with the concerns that staff and parents may have with privacy and data protection. It’s important when implementing these systems to be responsible and wary of the risks and worries involved. 

• Safeguarding over surveillance: As mentioned, it’s important to emphasise to parents the benefits of video security while reinforcing that it is not used to observe children’s play or learning.
• Access to footage and data: Ensure that only designated staff, such as the DSL and senior leaders, have access to footage and that it is only used when necessary for safeguarding in EYFS.
• Data retention: Footage should only be stored for a set amount of time before being automatically deleted. This set period might be a month, for example, and recordings should only be stored beyond this period if it is specifically required for a safeguarding investigation or other legal matter.
• Consent: It’s very important to install signage that explains where and when CCTV is in use. Consent to film is not required in communal areas if it is for safeguarding and security, but for the sake of transparency with staff and parents, notifying them that cameras are in operation aligns with the best practices in the EYFS framework.
• GDPR: Footage is personal data and when stored and managed, it must adhere to GDPR, as well as any policies outlined in KCSIE and guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Be transparent with staff and parents about how data is handled.

EYFS compliance checklist for safety and safeguarding

Use the checklist below to help ensure the security solutions approach as an Early Years Provider aligns with the EYFS framework, KCSIE guidance, Ofsted and GDPR. 

1. Policy alignment

• Review safeguarding, child protection and visitor management policies to ensure they reference the role of security technology.
• Cross-reference policies against EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements to ensure complete compliance.
• Ensure that GDPR and data protection policies cover how footage and access logs are stored, who can view them and their respective retention periods.

2. Risk assessment 

• Carry out a full risk assessment of the premises and your security systems. Identify entry points, busy drop-off/pick-up points and outdoor play areas and assess the various risks that may emerge.
• Map out where and how school security systems, such as video, access control and communication, can help reduce risks without disrupting the welcoming and nurturing environment.
• Review risk assessments at least annually, as well as after any incident.

3. Staff training 

• Provide thorough training for all staff to ensure they can use all access systems, emergency communications and CCTV and explain why they’re important for EYFS safeguarding.
• Ensure staff are aware of the procedures should any systems fail, such as a camera fault or a door code not working.
• Support the DSL by providing training on how to use logs and video for safeguarding investigations, as well as how to ensure compliance when storing and handling sensitive data.
• Include introductions to security devices in any new staff inductions.

4. Parental communication 

• Share a clear and friendly statement with families that details how technology will be used to support EYFS safeguarding and answer any potential concerns they may have.
• Display clear signage wherever CCTV is in operation that explains why it’s in use.
• Offer parents the opportunity to ask any questions they may have about your security systems.
• Be transparent about retention periods and who has access to security data and reports.

5. System management and maintenance

• Assign somebody to regularly check all systems and ensure they’re operating properly and securely – including locks, cameras, intercoms, alarms, etc.
• Keep detailed logs of maintenance checks and any potential faults for inspection evidence.
• Test all emergency communication systems every term, as well as conduct regular evacuation and fire drills.
• Upgrade systems regularly whenever needed to maintain security, reliability and compliance.

6. Evidence for audits and inspections

• Keep thorough records of your visitor logs, access reports and security camera usage to demonstrate how you’re supporting safeguarding within the EYFS framework.
• Document how your security systems align with safeguarding and welfare standards and requirements in your Self-Evaluation Form (SEF).
• Be ready to explain to Ofsted inspectors and auditors how your systems work in practice and how they support the safety, security and well-being of both staff and children. 

7. Continuous improvement

• Regularly review the effectiveness and reliability of your security systems with safeguarding in mind. Gather input from staff, DSLs and parents to identify areas for improvement.
• Stay up to date on EYFS, Ofsted standards, KCSIE guidance and other standards, practices and protocols to ensure ongoing compliance and understanding of what’s recommended and required.
• Adjust your policies and practices as your Early Years Provider grows and when new risks, challenges and technological developments arise.