Plans to ensure individuals working in early years settings have reference checks, and new requirements to follow up if a child is absent from nursery for a prolonged period of time, are some of the measures set out in a new early years safeguarding consultation.
The Department for Education said the consultation aims to strengthen safeguarding in the EYFS.
Plans out for consultation are changes to the EYFS with specific reference to the safeguarding and welfare requirements.
Key proposals include clarifying the role of the 'designated safeguarding lead,' strengthening requirements around reporting and following up on child absences, safer recruitment practices like reference checks, enhanced safer eating guidance, and more detailed safeguarding training criteria with a new Annex C.
