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Childminding UK are working behind the scenes to bring you the information you need to ensure that you are fully up to date.

There are 3 main areas of change that have been announced by government recently that will apply to childminders. While the guidance is general, you can be confident that we are busy absorbing the details, gaining clarification from the DfE where needed and will be providing the relevant information that you need as a childminder to put any changes in place in good time.

From September 2025

There are some safeguarding reforms coming into place within the EYFS that were approved in a government consultation. The changes introduce Safer Recruitment practice for those of you who employ others, a list of what needs to be included in your safeguarding training, clarification that childminders are the Designated Safeguarding Lead, safer eating requirements following the tragic death of Oliver Steeper, and new guidance about child absence. You can read a summary of changes here.

The Government’s Sustainability and Climate Change strategy is based on the UN sustainable goals and states that early years settings should be aware of the effects they have on sustainability and in their work with children, inspire them to look after our world. The DfE have confirmed to us that childminders do not need to have a written plan for this.

From January 2026

Last week, the government introduced new guidance around Voluntary charges for consumables for children who access government funded places. The changes are to ensure that parents can be fully informed about any voluntary charges they may be asked to make before they choose the setting for their child. There are clear lists of what can be included in voluntary charges and what can’t. Childminders are exempt from having to publish this information on a website as the majority of childminders to not have a setting website. There is also clear advice on what to include in parents invoices and receipts to maintain that clarity. You can read the charging information starting at A1.31 of the guidance.

Please look out for more information about any changes to our training and products we make including Virtual sessions you can attend to go through some of these changes in more detail.