As we head towards the end of this academic term, there continues to be a great deal of important information being published – offering both actions to take and guidance to reflect upon.
Following on from this summer’s Early Excellence Senior Leader Briefing, the summary below highlights the key updates, changes, and resources for schools and settings to be aware of:
DfE Consultation: Space Requirements in Early Years Childcare Settings in England
The Department for Education (DfE) is currently consulting on potential options for amending the EYFS indoor space requirements. This proposal forms part of wider initiatives aimed at increasing early years places by September 2025 – including the creation of 300 new nurseries in schools.
Consultation closes: 11th July 2025
➡️ Access the Space Requirements in Early Years Childcare Settings in England consultation here
Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance
Last updated: 30 May 2025
New guidance has been published for early years providers caring for children aged 0 to 5 in England. It supports the EYFS statutory requirement that:
‘Where children are provided with meals, snacks and drinks, these must be healthy, balanced and nutritious’.
From September 2025, the EYFS statutory framework will include a safeguarding and welfare requirement for providers to follow this guidance unless there is good reason not to.
➡️ View the Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition guidance here
Other EYFS Reforms – Reminder
As a reminder, several significant changes are due to come into effect this September, particularly around safeguarding and recruitment.
➡️ Read the full Summary of Changes here
➡️ Download the Changes to the EYFS Safeguarding Requirements September 2025 here
School Readiness – Reception Ready
Throughout the year, we’ve continued to highlight the findings of the latest Kindred Square Report on school readiness. Notably, the report reveals growing concerns:
49% of teachers say school readiness is worse now than it was in September 2023.
➡️ Read the full School Readiness Survey here
Starting Reception – Parent Guidance
In March, a new guide was published to support parents and carers in helping children to be ‘Reception Ready’. This can be a valuable resource when used alongside professional tools and expertise to support family engagement.
➡️ Download the Starting Reception Guide here
Transition – Updated EEF Guidance
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has updated its guidance on PSED (Personal, Social and Emotional Development) in the Early Years – with specific focus on transition from Nursery to Reception.
➡️ Access the updated Personal Social and Emotional Development guidance here
Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
In December 2024, the DfE announced a 43% increase in the EYPP rate.
To support schools and settings in making effective use of EYPP, the Education Endowment Foundation has published a guide. Additional tools and resources will be added over time to complement this guidance.
➡️ View the EEF Guide to the Early Years Pupil Premium here
➡️ Read the Ofsted: Early Years blog here
Pupil Premium – Updated Information
In June, the DfE released updated information on the use of Pupil Premium funding.
➡️ View the Pupil Premium guidance here
Ofsted Updates – Inspection Framework
This month, Ofsted announced that the findings from their recent consultation on a new inspection framework will now be published in September 2025.
➡️ Read the press release confirming September Publication for Consultation Response here
In addition, the government has confirmed that Dame Christine Gilbert will be appointed as the new Chair of Ofsted in September. She previously led the independent learning review following the tragic death of Ruth Perry.
➡️ View the press release announcing Dame Christine Gilbert as Chair of Ofsted here
New Ofsted Guidance – Working with Babies & Toddlers
Published: 30 April 2025
Ofsted has published a new research report titled:
‘Getting it right from the start: how early years practitioners work with babies and toddlers’.
The report explores how expertise and quality in early years provision impacts the care and education of the youngest children – and raises important questions about how we develop practitioner knowledge at this vital stage.
➡️ Read the full Getting it Right From the Start report here
SEND – New EEF Guidance
The EEF has published new guidance to support children with Special Educational Needs (SEND) in mainstream schools. This includes practical tools and strategies for classroom teachers and leaders.
➡️ View the EEF Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools guidance here
At Early Excellence, we’ve also been working to develop practical support tools. Our SEND Framework Tool is designed to help School Leaders reflect on the effectiveness of provision for children with SEND.
Stay Informed
As always, we aim to keep you fully informed of all the latest news and changes.
To explore these updates in more detail, you can still access the recording of our Summer Senior Leader Briefing – packed with insights and strategic leadership guidance.
At Early Excellence we continue to offer a broad range of tools to support you and your team. Explore our Leadership Reflection Tools, School Leader CPD programme, and our Head-to-Head Podcasts, to discover more.
Access a recording of our Summer Senior Leader Briefing, which explores these updates in greater depth—providing invaluable support for strategic leadership in schools and settings.
Explore expert training with a school improvement focus to support the effective leadership and day to day management of the EYFS and KS1.
Join our monthly Head to Head podcasts developed by Headteachers, for Headteachers as we explore a range of key issues that really matter to school leaders.