Welfare Requirement Checklist for childminders revised 2015

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Guidance notes for the Welfare Requirements checklist for Childminders:- This document has been produced by the Local Authority Early Years Improvement Team as a tool for childminders to use to ensure that the Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements of the Statutory Framework of the Early Years Foundation Stage 2014 are being met as well as good practice suggestions. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2014 sets the standards that all early years’ providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe.

The Childcare Register (CR) has some additional requirements These have been noted where appropriate.

Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage The Statutory Framework consists of three sections:- Section 1 - The learning and development requirements Section 2 - Assessment Section 3 - The safeguarding and welfare requirements

The following is a checklist to ensure the Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements (Section 3) are being met.

The left hand column states the policies and procedures stated within the Statutory Framework and references to the EYFS requirements. Although it is not a legal requirement for childminders to have written policies and procedures in place, this will support best practice and enable parents and carers to have an awareness of how your childminding practice is run. It also helps ensure your assistants understand the policies of your setting.

The second column is the statutory and good practice guidance. Statutory requirements are in bold print, these are the minimum legal requirements that MUST be met by all childminders.

The third column is for your use to identify if the requirements and good practice suggestions are already in place within your setting.

In the fourth column there is space for any actions that may need to be implemented to ensure that statutory requirements are met.

There is an additional page at the end of the welfare checklist for if there is an assistant employed.

All childminders must additionally meet the requirements for Learning & Development and Assessment as specified within the Statutory Framework of the EYFS and Ofsted requirements for the Early Years and /or Childcare Register.

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Name of childminder:

EYFS or CR reference

Advised Policies & Procedures Below are some notes of what should be included in each policy/procedure. This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change in line with Ofsted/local authority guidance. Although EYFS states that childminders are not required to have written policies and procedures this is advised as good practice. Written policies are compulsory where indicated to comply with the Childcare Register

In place

Notes / Actions required

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Child protection

3.4 CR7.1 CR9.1

Policy and Procedure in place in line with guidance and procedures of Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) Written copy required A copy must be made available to parents

Multi-Agency Referral Unit (MARU) number for Social Care stated 0300 123 1116

Out of hours number for Social Care stated 01208 251300

Reference included to South West Child Protection Procedures www.swcpp.org.uk (Our Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) ) Add a Shortcut link on your computer desk top.

3.4 Allegations of abuse made against the childminder, assistant or others living on the premises procedure must be included

3.8 Also see disqualification 3.14-3.18 CR13

Ofsted to be informed within 14 days of any allegations against the childminder / assistant or someone living on the premises and the action taken in respect of allegations or by any person, where the allegation relates to harm or abuse occurring on those premises.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to be contacted (telephone: 01872 326536 ) in cases of allegations against the childminder.

3.7 ‘Working together to safeguard children 2015’ referenced in policy and downloaded/shortcut https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2

What to Do if you’re worried a Child is Being Abused? Booklet referred to and available in setting. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-to-do-

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if-youre-worried-a-child-is-being-abused--2

CR2.7 The lead practitioner responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of children must provide support and guidance in relation to child protection matters to any person who cares for children

3.10 Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formally CRB) checks for all household members over 16

Children in care procedure http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/5979291/Cornwall-model-EY-setting-CIC-policy-Feb-2014.doc

H

3.73 Uncollected and missing child procedures – including police/social care / Ofsted details – Ofsted informed with 14 days

Use and storage of images of children procedure – Safeguarding

Explanation of why images are used – to cover use of e-mail and social networking sites

3.4 Mobile phone camera use by staff and children (consider hand held game consoles and webcams)

All visitors accompanied at all times – no use of mobile phones

Password protected computer files / external hard drive

Old/unused images discarded safely

Permissions sought to take / use photos (written)

Suitable People

3.10 3.17 3.18

Enhanced criminal records checks and barred lists checks completed for all assistants and house members aged 16 and over NB There is still no requirement for existing childminders to update their police/ CRB checks

Any orders or convictions notified to Ofsted NB a childminder may be disqualified if they live in the same house as someone who is disqualified from working with children

3.16 Ongoing suitability and disqualification of family members, informing Ofsted of change of circumstances.

3.12 Single Central Record in place listing all CRB issue dates, numbers, date completed and by what company / organisation for all house members over 16 and assistants

3.43 Permission to leave children with registered assistant

Childminder and staff medication / other substances

3.19 No Alcohol / drugs

3.19 No medications that may affect work

3.19 Any staff medications stored securely and out of children’s reach

Qualifications and training

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Individual training log , including informal training

Date of 12 hour paediatric 1st aid, MUST be updated every 3 years

3.5 Practitioner must take account of any advice from the LA on appropriate training courses and ensure documentation is up to date Date of safeguarding training attended initially tier 2 ‘awareness’ course then tier 3 multi agency course, updated as recommended. Common Assessment Framework training

3.48 Date of Food Safety level 2 training, updated every 3 years (expected by Local Authority)

EYFS briefing / CC cluster training

Childminder network training, linking with others

Behaviour management / SENCO induction

Children in care training

Ratios

3.28 3.29 3.41 No more than 6 Children under 8 at one time, of these no more than 3 in the Early Years age group, of these 3 no more than 1 under 1 year

‘Paediatric first aider able to respond to emergencies quickly’. Include detail in policy

3.42 Variation? Sibling children or own children only in most circumstances

Written risk assessment in place for varying ratios and for each variation. Parents informed.

3.43 Assistant? * see ‘assistants’ checklist for further requirements and guidance

3.43 For childminders providing overnight care, the ratios continue to apply and the childminder must always be able to hear the children. See additional guidance on page 9

Health

Medicines

3.44 Illness or infection policy

3.45 Medication policy

3.45 Pre existing medical information sought and kept updated

3.45 Training for specific medical conditions

3.45, 3.46 Medication kept in original container usually administered only if prescribed by a medical professional

Previous dosage and time logged

3.46 Written permission to administer specific medication: signed by the parent

Record signed by the childminder including medicine which the child is permitted to self-administer (Registered Childminder only to give medication)

3.46 Parents informed of medication given as soon as practicable Signed by parent on collection

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Stored appropriately and securely out of children’s reach

Permission to administer sun cream

Food and Drink

3.47 Dietary requirements / allergy information sought and updated

3.49 Food poisoning affecting two or more children reported to Ofsted within 14 days

Registered with Environmental Health

Accident or Injury

3.50 Child appropriate First aid box available and checked regularly

3.50 Written record of accidents or injuries and treatment

Emergency treatment permission sought

Public Health England (PHE) (formally HPA) / Spotty book guidance

3.50 Parents / carers informed of any accidents on same day of occurrence. Accident form signed by parent / carer.

Incident form

3.51 Local Child protection agency must be informed of serious incident/accident or death of any child while in the childminder’s care RIDDOR notified where appropriate www.hse.gov.uk

3.51 CR13

Ofsted informed of serious injury, serious illness (e.g. requiring hospital treatment) or death within 14 days any serious accident or injury to, or the death of, any other person on the premises on which childcare is provided

Paediatric first aid completion date, this MUST be updated every 3 years

Managing behaviour

Training attended

3.52 3.53 CR6.2

How unwanted behaviour is identified and dealt with ie

policy / procedure (no Corporal punishment)

3.52 Record kept of any physical intervention needed and parents/carers informed – dated and signed

Safety and suitability of premises, environment and equipment

Safety

3.54 Health and safety procedure in place (Childcare Register)

Toys and resources cleaned and checked regularly and age appropriate

Fire drill every term as a minimum

3.55 Written procedure in place and displayed identifying exits

Room Plan Displayed identifying exits

All children completed the drill each term.

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3.55 Appropriate fire detection and control equipment Maintained and checked regularly

3.55 Emergency exits kept clear at all times and easily opened from inside

3.56 Evacuation log in place and include:

Date & time of drill

time taken to evacuate

Names of Staff/students/visitors present

Names of children present

Exit used to evacuate

Evaluation of each drill

Smoking

3.56 No smoking on the premises

No smoking in cars or gardens

Premises

Building insurance

Contents insurance

Landlords’ written permission to operate a childminding business on the premises

3.57 Space requirements adhered to

3.58 Outdoor access available daily

3.60 Adequate toilets and handbasins (steps or child seats)

3.60 Suitable and hygienic changing and sleeping facilities

Individual child’s bedding

Individual towels

3.60 Bedding and towels clean and hygienic

3.59 Sleeping children checked frequently

3.62 Security of the premises – doors locked

3.62 Children released to authorised adults only

3.62 Visitors ID checked

Visitors( policy )log in place

3.62 Overnight care additional measures in place

3.63 Public Liability insurance

3.61 Opportunity to speak confidentially with parents

Risk assessments policy / procedure

3.64 Risk assessments completed, identifying who is responsible for which regular checks and how risk will be removed or minimised

Written

Signed and dated

Review date (annually at least)

Large equipment

Outings

3.65 Individual risk assessments for large outings/ days out (to theme parks/ local attractions), written for best practice.

Parental permission for outings in local areas

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Individual parental permission for larger outings

3.66 Vehicles and drivers appropriately insured – Business use

Car restraints in place (Car seats / booster seats)

Vehicle maintained

Vehicle taxed

Vehicle MOT valid

Special Educational Needs or Disabilities

See 3.20 Inclusive practice reviewed regularly,

3.67 All children supported and individual needs met

Inappropriate attitudes and practice challenged

Resources to reflect other cultures and abilities

3.67 Reference to Special Educational Needs code of Practice https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/398815/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf

CR6.3 The registered person must ensure that the childcare is accessible and inclusive by not refusing to provide childcare or treat any child less favourably than another child by reason of the child’s:

race religion home language family background gender, or disability and/or learning difficulty

taking all reasonable steps to ensure children with disabilities have access to the premises.

Information and records

3.76 CR8 Daily register of children’s attendance kept, recording staff attendance too where appropriate

3.69 Information and documentation kept and accessible

3.68 see 3.70

Sharing information permission Liaison with other professional bodies, with parental permission (EG Senco, Health Visitor, Speech & Language Information shared with parents / carers provided there are no relevant exemptions under DPA

3.68 Dual setting information shared

3.69 Records kept securely on site

3.69 Data Protection Act requirements Register with the Information Commissioners Office you can either complete your notification form online at http://www.ico.gov.uk or request a draft notification form based on the nature of your business by calling the Notification Helpline on 01625 545740

3.70 Confidentiality

3.71 Records retained for a reasonable period after child leaves provision

Information about the child

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3.72 Child information held : name DOB, address, name and address of all parents or carers , parental responsibility information, parent/carer contact details

Information for parents and carers

3.73 CR9.1

Information about the setting routines, policies, staff provided to parents

CR9.2 a statement to tell parents that the childcare is open access VCR only

CR9.3 information about the registration system Ofsted’s address.

3.73 EYFS information shared and available to parents/carers

Information about the provider

3.76 CR8, CR12.1

Name and address of anyone who will have unsupervised contact with the children at the provision also date of birth

3.77 CR10, CR11 CR12.1

Any significant changes and events reported to Ofsted within 14 days

CR6.1 The registered person must make arrangements with other childcare providers or with parents for occasions on which the registered person is not able to provide childcare. (The childminder’s Policy could name alternative childminders who may be available or that parents will be responsible )

Complaints

3.74 CR7.1 CR9.1

Concerns and Complaints written procedure in place Copy available to parents

3.74

Log / record of complaints (referring to Welfare Requirements) including the outcome. Keep for 3 years

3.74 CR7.4

28 day response period to complainant

State the address for Ofsted - Piccadilly gate, Store Gate, Manchester, M1 2WD

Ofsted telephone number - 0300 123 1231

Correspondence kept in folder

CR7.3 Retained for 3 years as a minimum

Parents informed of any complaints received via Ofsted

CR7.5 CR7.6

Summary of complaints and action taken during previous 12 months available to Ofsted on request. Summary of complaints during previous 3 years available to Ofsted on request

Checks

Sleeping children checked regularly - logged (10 minute checks) if relevant

Fridge temperatures/storage of packed lunches

Daily Maintenance check (indoors and out)

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It is very strongly recommended that you have a contract with parents in place before care starts

There is some doubt as to whether insurance will be valid if you do not have a contract in place.

Overnight care

Since September 2012 registered childminders have been able to assess for

themselves whether they are able to offer overnight care.

If you offer overnight care you must

Inform Ofsted

Check your public liability insurance details

Comply with EYFS page 25 3.43:

“For childminders providing overnight care, the ratios continue to apply and the childminder must always be able to hear the children (this may be via a monitor

You must continue to meet all EYFS requirements at all times including

suitable people, ratios, provision of clean, individual bedding and towels,

and have emergency contact details for the parents/carers.

You must at all times meet the requirements of the Childcare Register,

which for providers other than home childcarers includes completion of a

risk assessment. This would be expected to identify any additional risks

of overnight care. You must have regard to the Regulatory Reform (Fire

Safety) Order 2005 www.firesafe.org.uk/child-minders-and-day-care-providers/

Exceptions:

If you are offering 24 hour care for an individual child that exceeds 28

consecutive days a year you need to notify the local authority as this may

be classed as a private fostering agreement

Displayed

3.76 Registration certificate

Public liability Insurance certificate

Safeguarding policy / contact information

3.75 Ofsted Parents’ Poster

Written evacuation procedure

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Learning and Development

You need to able to show Ofsted what progress the children are making

• Do you have a record of their level of development when they joined you setting?

• Do you make regular checks to show their current levels?

• Have you completed the two year checks and shared them with parents?

• Do you liaise with other providers and do you have written permission from the parents to do

so?

• Do you cover all areas of learning and development?

• Do you support children whose home language is not English?

• Do you plan a balance of child-led and adult-led opportunities?

• Do you take account of the Characteristics of Effective Learning?

These are all requirements in the EYFS

Useful documents EYFS: framework, development matters, early years outcomes, 2 year check http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/ Inspecting early years: handbook for inspectors www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015 Framework for the regulation of provision on the Early Years Register 20 Aug 2014 Ofsted Ref: 120288 http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/framework-for-regulation-of-provision-early-years-register Framework for the regulation of provision on the Childcare Register 20 Aug 2014 Ofsted Ref: 120338 http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/framework-for-regulation-of-provision-childcare-register

Food registration http://www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/caterers/startingup/childminders Health and Safety Executive www.hse.gov.uk Tax http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/courses/syob2/cm/index.htm http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/bimmanual/bim52751.htm SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25 Prevent Duty Guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/417943/Prevent_Duty_Guidance_England_Wales.pdf (you might print out pages pp10-12)

Promoting British values http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2015/03/fundamental-british-values-in-the-early-years/

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Assistants: 3.29 Apprentices in early education (age 16 plus), volunteers and students on long term placements (17 plus) may be included in ratios if considered ‘competent and responsible’ DBS rules for apprentices must be clarified with Ofsted 3.28 Inform parents/carers about staff deployment and aim to involve them in these decisions

Overnight care

Safeguarding

3.5 3.6

Any assistants aware of safeguarding policy and procedures Staff must be able to identify signs of possible abuse and neglect and the referral processes

3.25 Date of 12 hour paediatric 1st aid, MUST be updated every 3 years (If left in charge)

Parental permission sought if assistant will care solely for children (for up to 2 hours only)

Employers liability insurance

Suitable People 3.9

Identity documents/Certificates seen

Satisfactory interview

2 x Reference checks– 1 from most recent employer

Copies of any relevant certificates

3.26 Clear understanding and use of English

Emergency contact information and record of home address

3.10 DBS / CRB issue number and date and what company obtained through .

3.13 DBS informed of where member of staff is dismissed(or would have been) because they have harmed a child or put a child at risk of arm

3.11 Any changes of circumstances and/or criminal convictions declared to childminder

3.18 Ofsted informed of any changes of circumstances and/or criminal convictions within 14 days

Qualifications and Training

3.21 3.22

Supervision/appraisal notes (Ongoing suitability)

Certificates seen

Knowledge of EYFS and OAP

Induction programme in place to include

3.20 Safeguarding procedures

3.20 Emergency Evacuation procedures

3.20 Child protection

3.20 Equality and diversity

3.20 Health and Safety

Confidentiality

3.20 Training and professional development opportunities

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Since September 2012 registered childminders have been able to assess for

themselves whether they are able to offer overnight care.

If you offer overnight care you must

Inform Ofsted

Check your public liability insurance details

Comply with EYFS page 25 3.43:

“For childminders providing overnight care, the ratios continue to apply and the childminder must always be able to hear the children (this may be via a monitor

You must continue to meet all EYFS requirements at all times including

suitable people, ratios, provision of clean, individual bedding and towels,

and have emergency contact details for the parents/carers.

You must at all times meet the requirements of the Childcare Register,

which for providers other than home childcarers includes completion of a

risk assessment. This would be expected to identify any additional risks

of overnight care. You must have regard to the Regulatory Reform (Fire

Safety) Order 2005 www.firesafe.org.uk/child-minders-and-day-care-providers/

Exceptions:

If you are offering 24 hour care for an individual child that exceeds 28

consecutive days a year you need to notify the local authority as this may

be classed as a private fostering agreement

Revised by the Early Years Improvement Team July 2015