Safeguarding in the early years: important changes coming in September 2025 

Early years providers, including those offering PVI (Private, Voluntary, and Independent) wraparound care, need to be aware of significant upcoming changes to safeguarding practices. 

The changes being made to safeguarding are mandatory and will be included in inspections from 1^st September 2025.  The Department for Education is also introducing new guidance: Early Years Foundation Stage nutrition – GOV.UK. This replaces example menus and outlines the expected knowledge of staff regarding allergies and anaphylaxis. 

Key changes to safeguarding 

The Safer Eating section within the updated Safeguarding document details that settings will need to ensure that their staff are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of allergy and anaphylaxis.  This is a very important step forwards in ensuring that children are safe. 

Additionally, there should always be a member of staff who has paediatric first aid training present when children are eating.  While these changes are positive, it’s vital for early years settings to understand that keeping children safe from allergies goes beyond just recognising symptoms or having a first-aider present during mealtimes. Safety comes from a robust allergy management policy for the prevention of allergic reactions and that all staff (regardless of how often they are in contact with the children) understand what allergy is and what causes a reaction.  

Without this knowledge, children still remain at risk. Children with allergies are also at risk from cross-contact – tiny amounts of allergens left behind on surfaces after cleaning or transferred when toys are shared. It is crucial to risk assess the possibility of cross-contamination and implement appropriate control measures. 

Settings are often introducing new foods to a baby at the point of weaning (transition to solid food) and this is a time that staff need to be particularly aware of how and when allergy develops. This information is crucial in ensuring that the child is safe with staff being able to spot signs and symptoms early. 

Caring for children with allergies can be a concern for staff who want to ensure their well-being.  Without specialist training, staff are unaware of the additional procedures they need to follow to ensure that the children are safe.  They need to understand that activities such as using homemade playdough can carry risk for children with allergies to wheat, and junk modelling can create a cross-contamination risk depending on what was previously in the container.  Even a small amount of allergen can cause harm. 

Essential steps for early years providers 

Gather information on allergies and intolerances at the point of registration: This information must be collected before a child attends any sessions. 

Individual risk assessments: Once an allergy has been identified, the responsible person (e.g a manager) should arrange a meeting with the parent/carer to discuss the child’s allergy in detail. Ideally, an individual risk assessment should be completed. 

Work with the parents/carers: They are the experts on their child’s allergy and can give detailed information on their child’s needs, what their reactions are like and suitable food brands. 

Support from Anaphylaxis UK 

Anaphylaxis UK can support settings preparing for this change.  In addition to the wealth of information available on our website and in the free downloads section, we can offer training through e-learning, virtual or face-to-face.  Our training comes with a small charge and has been updated by our Education and Training Manager, a former headteacher who has detailed knowledge of safeguarding and the early years, wraparound care sectors.  We are also able to provide bespoke support to develop good practice and allergy management and conduct audits if these are required.  If you are interested in our support, please get in touch on allergywise@anaphylaxis.org.uk to discuss how we can assist you in getting ready for September.