That Practitioners Should Not Overlook

The September 2025 EYFS statutory framework does not just introduce new changes — it also strengthens the foundations we already know matter most. While my last post explored the new requirements, this one focuses on areas the Department for Education (DfE) has deliberately re-emphasised.

These are not brand-new additions, but they serve as a timely reminder to revisit our practice as we enter a new school year. Whether you work in a nursery, preschool, or school-based early years setting, these reinforced priorities offer an opportunity to refine, reflect, and re-commit to high-quality, child-centred provision.

1. Less Paperwork, More Practice

REAFFIRMATION:

Observation should be purposeful, not burdensome — with quality over quantity at the heart (DfE, 2025, Section 2). Development Matters remains non-statutory, but is now more closely aligned with EYFS language. The aim is to inform planning, not create endless evidence files. This is not a return to “tick-box” tracking, but a call to truly know each child.

How to Prepare:

Audit your observation process. Could you capture the same insights with fewer, targeted notes? Prioritise interaction over perfect paperwork.

2. Prime Areas Prioritised — Especially Communication & PSED

REINFORCED:

Communication & Language (CL) and Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) remain at the heart of the EYFS, particularly for 0–3s. The emphasis is on back-and-forth interactions, storytelling, vocabulary building, and emotional literacy (DfE, 2025, Section 1; Ofsted, 2023).

How to Prepare:

Create language-rich spaces. Model emotional language in everyday routines: “I can see you are feeling frustrated,” or “You look proud of yourself for trying.”

3. Learning Through Play — Stronger Practical Guidance

UPDATED:

The 2025 EYFS gives clearer examples of how child-led, exploratory play meets learning goals (DfE, 2025, Section 1), reassuring practitioners that play is rigorous pedagogy.

How to Prepare:

Review your provision. Does your environment invite open-ended exploration? Are resources accessible for child-initiated learning?

4. Reception Year — Still Play-Based

CONFIRMATION:

Reception remains part of the EYFS, with no expectation for desks or worksheets to meet ELGs. Play is still the core vehicle for learning (DfE, 2025, Section 1; Zosh et al., 2022).

How to Prepare:

Collaborate with Year 1 teachers to ensure smooth transitions while maintaining play-based practices. Keep routines developmentally appropriate.

5. The Key Person Role — Strengthened Focus on Relationships

EMPHASISED:

The updated language reinforces the emotional and relational importance of the key person role (DfE, 2025, Section 3; Elfer et al., 2012). Secure attachments remain the foundation for learning.

How to Prepare:

Invest time in supervision sessions. Encourage practitioners to share observations and strategies that support their practice, their well-being, and the emotional security of the children they care for.

6. Observation & Assessment — Quality Over Quantity

SHIFT:

Extensive “learning journeys” are not required (DfE, 2025, Section 2). Practitioners are trusted to record what matters, when it matters, with observations leading directly to next steps.

How to Prepare:

Keep assessments concise and purposeful. Share progress with families through meaningful updates, not volume of paperwork.

7. SEND — Stronger Guidance & Early Identification

IMPROVED:

Clearer guidance for identifying and supporting children with SEND is now embedded in the framework, reflecting the Graduated Approach — assess, plan, do, review (DfE, 2025, Section 3; Nasen, 2023).

How to Prepare:

Review SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) procedures. Audit resources to ensure diversity and accessibility are met. Proactively use early intervention strategies.

8. Safeguarding Language — Updated for 2025

UPDATED:

Safeguarding language now aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025). Online safety, radicalisation, and safeguarding culture have greater clarity.

How to Prepare:

Review safeguarding policies. Refresh staff training and ensure everyone understands the updated language.

Final Thoughts

These reinforced areas are not about adding more to your workload — they are about focusing on what we know works. The EYFS 2025 is a reminder that strong relationships, meaningful play, and purposeful assessment are the real drivers of children’s progress. Let us step into September with clarity, confidence, and care.

References

• Department for Education. (2025). EYFS statutory framework for group and school-based providers (effective 1 September 2025).
• Ofsted. (2023). Best Start in Life Part 3: Curriculum and Pedagogy in the Early Years.
• Nasen. (2023). Identifying and Supporting Children with SEND in the Early Years.
• Elfer, P., Goldschmied, E., & Selleck, D. (2012). Key Persons in the Early Years: Building Relationships for Quality Provision in Early Years Settings (2nd ed.). Routledge.
• Zosh, J.M., et al. (2022). Playful Learning: The Evidence Base.

📝 Free printable checklist:
I have created a simple PDF version of the 2025 EYFS Reinforced Practice Checklist so you can keep it handy in your setting. Download it below and share it with your team.