Breaking down the new 'Sight AND Hearing' rule for safer eating and the personal device photo storage ban.
The DfE's most significant safeguarding policy update since the EYFS 2021 revision.
The 2026 EYFS Safeguarding Framework introduces two headline changes: a ban on personal device photography and a stricter "Sight AND Hearing" supervision rule during mealtimes. These updates respond to rising concerns about data breaches and choking incidents in early years settings.
Additionally, the Prevent Duty—previously optional for childminders—is now a mandatory requirement, with inspectors checking for evidence of training and awareness during Ofsted visits.
What you need to implement immediately to stay compliant.
Personal mobile phones and cameras may NOT be used to photograph children, even for business purposes.
During mealtimes, you must maintain BOTH visual and auditory supervision of all children.
All childminders must complete Prevent Duty awareness training and demonstrate understanding of radicalization risks.
All child images must be encrypted at rest and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.
Understanding what's allowed (and what's not) when photographing children.
When you take a photo with your personal phone's camera app, the image is saved to your camera roll—which may sync to iCloud, Google Photos, or other personal cloud services. This creates two problems:
Our in-app camera uses encrypted device storage that is completely isolated from your phone's camera roll. This means:
New 2026 requirements for mealtime supervision.
You must be able to see ALL children eating at all times. No obstructed views.
You must be able to hear choking, coughing, or distress signals immediately.
High-risk foods (grapes, cherry tomatoes, hot dogs) must be quartered lengthways.
Understanding your legal obligation to safeguard against radicalization.
The Prevent Duty is part of the UK's Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. While it was previously optional for childminders, it became mandatory in 2026 following a review of safeguarding practices in home-based care.
Your responsibilities include:
20-minute online module covering the basics of Prevent duty
Official government guidance for early years providers
What Ofsted expects to see during inspections.
| Document | Requirements | Review Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Safeguarding Policy | Updated with 2026 device and eating protocols | Annual review |
| Staff/Household Safeguarding Agreement | All adults sign understanding of rules | On registration |
| Prevent Duty Certificate | Proof of completed training | Every 3 years |
| Device Policy Statement | Explains how images are captured and stored | Annual review |
| Incident Log | Records any safeguarding concerns raised | Ongoing |
💡 KinderStart Template Library: All of these documents are available as pre-filled templates in your account under Tools > Compliance > Safeguarding. Simply customize with your setting's details and you're ready for inspection.
Be prepared to articulate these during your inspection.
Model Answer: "I use KinderStart's in-app camera, which encrypts all images and stores them separately from my personal device. Parents can request access via the parent portal, and images are automatically deleted when a child leaves my setting, in line with GDPR retention policies."
Model Answer: "I maintain continuous visual and auditory supervision during all mealtimes. High-risk foods like grapes and cherry tomatoes are quartered lengthways, and I position myself so I can see and hear every child eating. I don't take phone calls or leave the room during meals."
Model Answer: "I've completed the Channel General Awareness training and understand my responsibility to identify signs of radicalization. If I had concerns about extreme views or behaviours in a family, I would refer them to my local Channel panel via the MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) contact number."
Model Answer: "Yes, all adults aged 16+ have signed my Device Policy Agreement, which explicitly states that personal mobile phones cannot be used to photograph children on my premises. This is reviewed annually and forms part of their household member safeguarding briefing."
Your 30-minute compliance sprint.
KinderStart's in-app camera automatically encrypts photos and bypasses your personal camera roll, ensuring 100% GDPR compliance.
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KinderStart strives for accuracy. Competitor features and pricing comparisons are based on publicly available information as of May 2026. Details are subject to change by respective providers.