Childcare Policies & Procedures

The statutory framework is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2021).

 EYFS requirement 3.53 states: Providers are responsible for managing children’s behaviour in an appropriate way.
 
EYFS requirement 3.54 states: Providers must not give or threaten corporal punishment to a child and must not use or threaten any punishment which could adversely affect a child's well-being. Providers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that corporal punishment is not given by any person who cares for or is in regular contact with a child, or by any person living or working in the premises where care is provided. Any early years provider who fails to meet these requirements commits an offence. A person will not be taken to have used corporal punishment (and therefore will not have committed an offence), where physical intervention was taken for the purposes of averting immediate danger of personal injury to any person (including the child) or to manage a child’s behaviour if absolutely necessary. Providers, including childminders, must keep a record of any occasion where physical intervention is used, and parents and/or carers must be informed on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable. 
This links to footnote 57: Physical intervention is where practitioners use reasonable force to prevent children from injuring themselves or others or damaging property.
 

Behaviour policy
 
I aim to support all children’s behaviour consistently, working closely with parents to ensure children are enabled to enjoy and achieve in their learning journey and reach their full potential.
 
Behaviour includes everything a child says and does that can impact or influence someone else. I believe that children need clear, developmentally appropriate expectations to support their behaviour and I encourage children to develop good behaviour by providing a happy, safe environment. I set a good example and aim to be a positive role model and ask older children to do the same. I work closely with the children and their parents to encourage good behaviour.
 

Behaviour procedures
 
I aim to support behaviour in ways appropriate to the age and stage of the child as follows –
• Distraction – I gently remove the child from the situation and offer alternative games.
• Discussion – I talk to the child, in a developmentally appropriate way, about their behaviour.  I make sure the child knows it is the behaviour I do not like, not them. I do not tell a child they are ‘naughty’ as this can become a self-fulfilling prophesy.
• Thinking time – children are given the opportunity to think about their behaviour, supported by a practitioner who sits with them / talks to them and helps them to deal with their emotions. I do not feel it is appropriate to ignore, humiliate or otherwise punish early years children.
• Returning to play - children are invited to return to play when they are ready to join in and they are asked to think again if they continue to behave inappropriately.
 

Working with parents
 
There is an expectation that parents work together with me to support their child. If there is a concern which needs addressing, to improve any unwanted ‘poor behaviour’ (Ofsted term) quickly so children can get back to their learning. Records will be maintained as required by the Early Years Inspection handbook.
 

Behaviour escalation strategy
 
If a child’s behaviour causes ongoing concern, I will –
• Talk to the child, allowing time for calm and contemplation.
• Review my behaviour training to make sure I am supporting the child in the best possible ways.
• Complete an Incident Record to record the ‘poor behaviour’ as required by the Ofsted Early Years Inspection handbook for the child’s parent to sign to keep them updated.
• Invite parents to a meeting (preferably without the child) to discuss the ongoing situation and decide a combined strategy. The meeting will be recorded and parents will be asked to sign to confirm the discussion. Note that I reserve the right, with permission from parents as appropriate, to ask advice from other professionals, ensuring confidentiality where possible.
• Speak to other settings the child attends (if appropriate) to liaise about behaviour strategies. This will help ensure I can support the child through consistent behaviour management in all settings.
• Monitor the child’s behaviour alongside parents and other settings / agencies.
 
I am aware that corporal punishment and the threat of using corporal punishment is illegal and will not be used in the provision. I will never administer physical punishment or any form of punishment with the intention of causing pain or discomfort, humiliation or hurt. I am aware of the requirement to ‘whistleblow’ if I believe a child has been harmed by corporal punishment (see Safeguarding / Child Protection Policy and Procedures) for more information.
As part of supporting children’s behaviour, I teach them about their emotions and feelings from a very early age and share information with parents so they can use techniques at home. This helps children to recognise the impact of their behaviour on themselves and other adults and children around them. I know from experience that this is a successful way of supporting behaviour over the longer term.
 
I aim to support behaviour in ways appropriate to the age and stage of the child – for example, I will distract little ones, suggesting they try a different game or remove themselves from a tricky situation and take a breath; with older children, I will talk to them about their behaviour in a developmentally appropriate way, helping them to think about how they can make things better. 
 
I might, for example, read a book, sing a song or role play with the child to support their understanding and some children benefit from having somewhere quiet to go and sit if they are feeling overwhelmed. The aim of the intervention is to help the child to understand their emotions.
 

Record keeping

It is a requirement of the Ofsted Early Years Inspection handbook (2022) that records of ‘poor behaviour’ are recorded and shared with Ofsted during inspection. The intention is for Ofsted to see how providers have dealt with behaviour incidents, working alongside parents to get the child and other children in the setting back to their learning as quickly as possible. Any written records will be shared with parents, retained for ‘a reasonable period of time’ to comply with the EYFS and then destroyed.
 
If you have any questions, enquiries, clarifications etc, please reach us via our contact us page. 

Thank you.

Signed:

Review Date:

If parents wish to make a complaint about any aspect of my care of their child related to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) or Childcare Registers, they can do so verbally; alternatively, Parents might prefer to complete a form which will be provided on request.
 
Ofsted must be notified of any complaints relating to the requirements of the EYFS or the Childcare Register and any complaints relating to safeguarding might also be reported to the Local Authority. Depending on the nature of the complaint, it will be investigated internally or passed to Ofsted and / or the local safeguarding partners to investigate.
 
The outcome of any complaint investigation will be discussed with the complainant if contact details are provided. If the complainant is still unhappy, or at any time in the complaints process, they can contact Ofsted. If you wish to contact Ofsted, the contact details are:
• Telephone - 0300 123 1231.
• Address - Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store St, Manchester M1 2WD.
• Email Ofsted – enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.
 
If a complaint is regarding a data breach, related to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or UK data protection legislation, I must report the breach within 72 hours.
 
The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) state that parents have the right to complain: if a data breach could result in discrimination, reputation damage, financial loss or [if] loss of confidentiality occurs.
You can contact ICO for further information: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/report-a-breach/.
 
I am required to keep a written record of the complaint to share with Ofsted and I might be required to share the complaint with other agencies depending on the nature of the complaint. The Childcare Register (relating to children over the age of 5 years) requires me to keep a written record of the complaint for 3 years, including details about the outcome of the investigation and any action taken. To comply with data protection legislation, the Complaint Record and other documentation will be shredded (paper records) or securely deleted (online records) after the required retention period.

The statutory framework is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2021).

EYFS requirement 3.70 states: Records must be easily accessible and available (these may be kept securely off the premises). Confidential information and records about staff and children must be held securely and only accessible and available to those who have a right or professional need to see them66. Providers must be aware of their responsibilities under the Data Protection Legislation67 and where relevant the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

EYFS requirement 3.71 states: Providers must ensure that all staff understand the need to protect the privacy of the children in their care as well the legal requirements that exist to ensure that information relating to the child is handled in a way that ensures confidentiality. Parents and/or carers must be given access to all records about their child, provided that no relevant exemptions apply to their disclosure under the Data Protection Act.
The Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) gives parents and carers the right to access information about their child that a provider holds. However, the DPA also sets out specific exemptions under which certain personal information may, under specific circumstances, be withheld from release. For example, a relevant professional will need to give careful consideration as to whether the disclosure of certain information about a child could cause harm either to the child or any other individual. It is therefore essential that all providers/staff in early years settings have an understanding of how data protection laws operate. Further guidance can be found on the website of the Information Commissioner’s Office at:
https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/.


Confidentiality Policy

Parent and child confidentiality are respected and I ask that parents and children respect mine and my family’s confidentiality. Parents can speak to me confidentially (without children or other parents listening in) on request.

For example – I will be available to take phone calls or email messages from parents on weekday evenings (by prior arrangement).

How I promote confidentiality
I aim to promote confidentiality by –
• Sharing this policy with parents and reminding parents about the importance of not sharing personal or family information online.
• Being registered with the Information Commissioners Office as a data handler.
• Keeping information safe on the computer and mobile phone – see Mobile Phone and Camera Policy.
• Advising parents that in some situations, to comply with the EYFS, I am required to work with other settings or agencies such as nurseries or pre-schools to support their child’s learning and / or development – see Permission Form for more information.
• Advising parents that, at times, it is impossible for me to maintain absolute confidentiality – for example, if a child has an infectious disease, I have a duty to inform other parents and sometimes I only look after 2 children at a time.
• Advising parents of any relevant organisations that have requested a disclosure of personal information and records unless expressly requested not to do so by the said agency in writing; or if I have been asked for information in connection with court proceedings.


Data protection legislation compliance

The 6 Principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, 2018) state that information must be treated with: fairness, lawfulness and transparency; purpose limitation; data minimisation; data quality.; security, integrity and confidentiality. Please see my Privacy Notice for more information.

With relation to ‘confidentiality’ this means that personal data relating to children and their families: must be processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security, including protection against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage, using appropriate technical or organisational measures.

All information relating to children and families is stored securely and treated confidentially unless I have permission to share it, it is required by Ofsted or there is a child protection / safeguarding issue.
For example - I store childminding information on the computer, mobile phone (parent numbers) and camera (photos of children); I take photos of children to help me meet the requirements of the EYFS.


Examples of storing data confidentially

For example – if used to store data, memory sticks must be encrypted, stored securely and should not leave the setting.
For example - in our setting we ensure parents know what information we hold about them and their children, all information is held confidentially and securely and deleted when there is no longer a need for it to be retained – please see the Privacy Notice for more details.
For example – if information is stored on a computer, it must be secure. This setting does not store data in drop box


Passing information on to a child’s next setting

There is some information which might need to be shared with your child’s next setting – for example, information relating to safeguarding or if your child has special educational needs and / or disabilities (SEND) and there are records linking them to other settings or agencies.

For example - if you write a Transition Report you give it to parents who make the decision whether to hand it over to the child’s teacher or not … when you have handed the information over to parents it is no longer your responsibility and you are no longer accountable for what happens to it in the future.
For example – if you must pass information relating to the child’s safeguarding and welfare to their school or SENCO you must consider confidentiality. Documents must be placed in a sealed envelope, labelled for the person they are directed to – to minimise the risk of them going astray.


Data retention

According to data protection legislation, once information has been passed over to the other agency or professional, the protection of the data is no longer my responsibility and I am no longer accountable for what happens to it. I will retain a transfer record for a ‘reasonable period of time’ to comply with the EYFS.

If you have any questions, enquiries, clarifications etc, please reach us via our contact us page. 

Thank you.

Signed:

Review Date:

The statutory framework is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2021).
EYFS requirement 3.51 states – Providers must ensure there is a first aid box accessible at all times with appropriate content for use with children. Providers must keep a written record of accidents or injuries and first aid treatment. Providers must inform parents and/or carers of any accident or injury sustained by the child on the same day as, or as soon as reasonably practicable after, and of any first aid treatment given.

EYFS requirement 3.52 states – Registered providers must notify Ofsted ... of any serious accident, illness or injury to, or death of, any child while in their care, and of the action taken. Notification must be made as soon as is reasonably practicable, but in any event within 14 days of the incident occurring. A registered provider, who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with this requirement, commits an offence. Providers must notify local child protection agencies of any serious accident or injury to, or the death of, any child while in their care, and must act on any advice from those agencies.

...............................................................................
Accident, injury and first aid procedures
I aim to keep children safe. I stay within the ratios required by the EYFS 2021 and aim to ensure my premises and equipment are safe to use through robust risk assessments.
Children do sometimes have accidents. I have completed a Paediatric First Aid training course and I will use my knowledge to help them. I have a fully stocked first aid box appropriate for use with early years children in the house and another first aid kit which I take on outings.

I will record information about the accident and any first aid administration on an Accident and First Aid Record form and ask parents to sign – ideally on the same day. If I do not see parents, I will message them to let them know that their child has had an accident and the steps I took to support their child.

If I am unable to help the child or if I am concerned about an injury, I will –
• Contact emergency services to request an ambulance – 999 from the house phone and 112 from a mobile phone.
• Follow advice from emergency services.
• Inform parents as soon as possible to come and collect their child or meet them at hospital depending on what is decided.
• If necessary, send the child with emergency services in an ambulance.
Please note that I will normally be unable to travel with the injured child due to having other children in my care.

After a serious accident, in addition to parents, I might be required to notify –
• Ofsted - enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk
• The Health and Safety Executive - http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/
• The Local Authority.
• My insurance company.
I will make all records available to other agencies or professionals on request.

Risk assessments do not need to be in writing to comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage or Childcare Register. Risk assessments demonstrate how I aim to keep children safe. I regularly look back at accident forms and do a further risk assessment after an accident or injury to ensure I am taking all necessary steps to protect children. I will then make changes to the environment, resources, equipment etc if I feel it is appropriate to keep children safer. Please see my Health and Safety Policy for more information.

It is important that parents tell me about any accidents or injuries their child has had at home so I can make a record of what happened and contact emergency services or take advice from the child’s doctor if they are ill during the day.

Record keeping and retention – I am required to retain record forms relating to serious or life-changing accidents until the child is 21 year and 3 months old for insurance purposes; I am required to retain documentation relating to minor accidents for ‘a reasonable period of time’ (EYFS, 2021) which is generally accepted to be 3 years. I will keep documentation as safely and confidentially as possible during this time.

If you have any questions, enquiries, clarifications etc, please reach us via our contact us page. 

Thank you.

Signed:

Review Date:
 

The statutory framework is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2021).

EYFS requirement 3.75 states: Providers must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children, staff and others on the premises in the case of fire or any other emergency and must have an emergency evacuation procedure. Providers must have appropriate fire detection and control equipment (for example, fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire blankets and/or fire extinguishers) which is in working order. Fire exits must be clearly identifiable, and fire doors must be free of obstruction and easily opened from the inside


Emergency procedures

I am committed to keeping children safe and ensuring they know what to do in an emergency.

Here are what I do in the setting:
• I ask you for emergency contact information – for parents and other people who have parental permission to collect the child in an emergency.
• All children are involved in regular fire practices – we go to the closest door together and talk about what we do next, where we stand outside, how we ring the fire service etc.
• I follow latest advice on safety from the fire service.
• Emergency exits are risk assessed and kept clear from clutter.
• I teach the children about how to react in various emergency situations.
• The environment, inside and outside, is kept as safe as reasonably practicable.
• Keys to outside doors are kept in safe places and are accessible to adults.
• There is a fire blanket on the wall in the kitchen.
• There is a carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen.
• There are smoke detectors on all floors of the setting.



The following fire protection equipment is available and maintained in the setting –
• Fire blanket in the kitchen.
• Smoke alarms on all floors.
• CO2 detector in the kitchen.

These are our emergency procedures which we practice, in age-appropriate ways, with all the children in the setting, from babies upwards:
• To exit safely with all people on the premises and wait in a safe place.
• To ring 999 and request the attendance of the fire service and ambulance service if required.
• To follow advice from Emergency Services in the event of being caught up in a terrorist or other attack.
• If necessary, to make every effort to contact parents – or the child’s emergency contacts – and ask you to collect the child as quickly as possible.
Note: parents, please keep emergency contact information updated regularly, especially if phone numbers change or if emergency contacts are not available for a period of time.
• To record any emergencies and ask parents to sign.
• To inform Ofsted and the Insurance Company that a serious incident has occurred and follow their advice.

If you have any questions, enquiries, clarifications etc, please reach us via our contact us page. 

Thank you.

Signed:

Review Date:

The statutory framework is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2021).

To comply with the EYFS, this Health and Safety Policy covers:
Overarching statement – Providers must ensure that their premises, including overall floor space and outdoor spaces, are fit for purpose and suitable for the age of children cared for and the activities provided on the premises.
Paediatric first aid – At least one person who has a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present, and must accompany children on outings. The certificate must be for a full course consistent with the criteria set out in Annex A.
First aid kit – Providers must ensure there is a first aid box accessible at all times with appropriate content for use with children. Providers must keep a written record of accidents or injuries and first aid treatment. Providers must inform parents and/or carers of any accident or injury sustained by the child on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable, of any first aid treatment given.
Fire safety – Providers must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children, staff and others on the premises in the case of fire or any other emergency, and must have an emergency evacuation procedure. Providers must have appropriate fire detection and control equipment (for example, fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire blankets and/or fire extinguishers) which is in working order. Fire exits must be clearly identifiable, and fire doors must be free of obstruction and easily opened from the inside.
Smoking and vaping – Providers must not allow smoking in or on the premises when children are present or about to be present. Staff should not vape or use e-cigarettes when children are present and providers should consider Public Health England advice on their use in public places and workplaces.
Organisation of premises – The premises and equipment must be organised in a way that meets the needs of children. Providers must meet the following indoor space requirements where indoor activity in a building(s) forms the main part of (or is integral) to the provision.
Outside play – Providers must provide access to an outdoor play area or, if that is not possible, ensure that outdoor activities are planned and taken on a daily basis (unless circumstances make this inappropriate, for example unsafe weather conditions). Providers must follow their legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 (for example, the provisions on reasonable adjustments).
Sleeping children – Sleeping children must be frequently checked to ensure that they are safe. Being safe includes ensuring that cots/bedding are in good condition and suited to the age of the child, and that infants are placed down to sleep safely in line with latest government safety guidance.
This links to footnote 60 - NHS advice on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids/.
Providers may find it helpful to refer to NHS advice for further information on safety of sleeping children: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/reduce-the-risk-of-sudden-infant-death-syndrome.
Toilets and hand washing – Providers must ensure there is an adequate number of toilets and hand basins available. Except in childminding settings, there should usually be separate toilet facilities for adults. Providers must ensure there are suitable hygienic changing facilities for changing any children who are in nappies and providers should ensure that an adequate supply of clean bedding, towels, spare clothes and any other necessary items is always available.
Insurance requirements – Providers must carry the appropriate insurance (e.g. public liability insurance) to cover all premises from which they provide childcare or childminding.
Risk assessment – Providers must ensure that they take all reasonable steps to ensure staff and children in their care are not exposed to risks and must be able to demonstrate how they are managing risks. Providers must determine where it is helpful to make some written risk assessments in relation to specific issues, to inform staff practice, and to demonstrate how they are managing risks if asked by parents and/or carers or inspectors. Risk assessments should identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, when and by whom those aspects will be checked, and how the risk will be removed or minimised.
This links to footnote 63 which states: Guidance on risk assessments, including where written ones may be required where five or more staff are employed, can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive. https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/index.htm.
Safety on outings – Children must be kept safe while on outings. Providers must assess the risks or hazards which may arise for the children and must identify the steps to be taken to remove, minimise and manage those risks and hazards. The assessment must include consideration of adult to child ratios. The risk assessment does not necessarily need to be in writing; this is for providers to judge. Vehicles in which children are being transported, and the driver of those vehicles, must be adequately insured.

Further health and safety legislation covers:
• Hygiene requirements.
• Hand washing.
• Supervision of children.
• Food and allergies – see Healthy Eating Policy.
• Manual Handling.
• Electrical appliances.
• Chemicals.
• Staff training.

Health and safety policy

The owner / manager is responsible for health and safety in the setting. Staff (if relevant) must ensure the setting is as safe as reasonably practicable for use by the children and families.

I aim to ensure children are healthy and safe on my premises, in the garden and on outings.

Overarching statement in the EYFS
I aim to ensure the premises and outside areas are fit for purpose by carrying out regular risk assessments of all areas of provision including furniture, equipment and toys. I clean the house and garden regularly and check for debris or dangers throughout the day.

Paediatric first aid – I am committed to keeping children safe - however, accidents do sometimes happen. I have up-to-date paediatric first aid certificates and the children are within sight and / or hearing at all times. I risk assess constantly to help keep children safe and I teach them to risk assess (see below).

First aid kit – there is a fully equipped first aid box in the house and one for outings and the car. The contents are suitable for children and are replaced after use or as required. I keep completed Accident and First Aid Record forms in each child’s personal file and ask parents to complete an Existing Injuries Record if their child has had an injury at home.
Parents are asked to make themselves available on the same day (where possible) to read and sign accident and first aid records. I am aware of the requirement to notify Ofsted of any serious accident, illness or injury, or death to Ofsted within 14 days.

Fire safety – see Emergency Procedures for more information.

Smoking and vaping – are not allowed on the premises and children are protected from smoky atmospheres; information for parents has been updated to include vaping to comply with the changes to the EYFS 2021. I teach children about the dangers of tobacco and smoking in age-appropriate ways, working with parents where possible to ensure messages are consistent.

Premises – I keep the house and garden clean and hygienic for the children and staff. Regular risk assessments ensure the house and garden and safe. I have security procedures in place including checking the identify of visitors, locked doors and gates and clearly marked exits. I will make reasonable adjustments if requested, as required by the Equality Act 2010.


Outside play – the garden is as safe as reasonably practicable and risk assessed before, during and after each working day. It is set up to support all children’s learning: resources and equipment are provided which promote children’s learning and development. Garden equipment, resources etc is risk assessed before, during and after use to ensure it is safe for the ages and developmental stages of the children in the setting on the day.
Parents are aware that it is a requirement of the EYFS that their child goes outside every day apart from if there are unsafe weather conditions and are asked to provide appropriate clothing and spare clothes in case their child gets wet or muddy. I have spare clothes for children if required.
I have made changes to the garden to support children with disabilities including providing a ramp to the door and ensuring the garden is level so all children can access the resources and equipment. We are prepared to make further reasonable adjustments as required by the Equality Act 2010 if requested.
Unsafe weather conditions might include storm warnings from the Environment Agency and very hot days when it is unsafe for children to stay in the sun for long periods. I use a weather app to check weather conditions every day and speak to parents about how we have supported their child’s learning if I have not been able to offer them the opportunity to go outside.
I ask parents to provide a bottle of labelled sun cream for their child. Permission is in place to apply cream and children are taught how to do this independently (with supervision). Parents are asked to put the first layer of sun cream on their child in the morning and we will continue to apply it regularly through the day.

Sleeping children – I use a monitor to listen to sleeping babies and children and they are checked visually. Clean linen is provided. Safe sleep guidance is followed and the information is shared with parents.

Nappy and toileting – nappy changing and toilet facilities are cleaned regularly, using anti-bacterial cleaning products to keep them clean. It is deep cleaned at the end of the day. Soiled clothes and other items are bagged up for parents to take home. All linen and cloths used in the setting is washed at high temperatures using non-biological powder to reduce the risk of cross contamination and allergies.

Insurance – my Childcare.co.uk insurance certificate is available for viewing at any time.

Risk assessment – I risk assess first thing in the morning and constantly during the day, covering outside play, inside activities, outings etc. The house and garden are visually checked for risks and faulty equipment, furniture, broken or dangerous resources etc are removed from the play areas immediately. Children are taught to do their own risk assessments of the house and garden and are reminded about safety during outings. I teach children about keeping themselves safe and taking measured risks. For example, I plan regular activities linked to teaching children about personal safety, stranger danger, staying safe online, being careful around animals and road and rail safety etc. I use planned activities and spontaneous opportunities to talk to the children about keeping safe and share information with parents to support their child’s health and safety at home.
Damaged items – toys and equipment used by children and / or staff are checked regularly for damage and replaced or mended as necessary – for example, highchairs, places where children sleep etc.

Outings are risk assessed to ensure children are kept safe and we always work within my ratios. During outings, children might use large play equipment at parks or in soft play areas. These will be risk assessed first and children will be taught to inform an adult if they are worried about any aspect of the play areas.
All staff have a current paediatric first aid certificates and a first aid kit is taken on outings.
We take children on outings in our car. We have business class 1 insurance for transporting childminded children – the insurance certificate is available to view at any time. There are appropriate car seats for the height and weight of children in the car (car seats are risk assessed for safety before each outing) and children are taught about being safe in the car and around other vehicles on outings.

Vehicle – I have insurance which covers me for transporting childminded children – parents and Ofsted please ask to see my insurance certificate. There are appropriate car seats for the height and weight of children in the car and car seats are risk assessed for safety before each outing. Children are taught about being safe in the car and around other vehicles on outings. Copies of assistant vehicle documentation are also retained in the provision (if appropriate). I might, at times, use public transport. I teach children to be safe around buses, trains and trams etc and I risk assess before and during each journey.

Further health and safety legislation:
Hygiene requirements – see Illness and Infection Control Policy.

Hand washing – Government advice is to wash hands regularly for 20 seconds, using soap and water or sanitiser if no soap is available. Hands should be dried well, using single use paper or cloth towels (hot washed after each use). I wash hands before and after nappy changing. Children are placed on a plastic mat which is cleaned with antibacterial wipes before and after each use. Privacy is considered when children’s nappies are changed but we must also be able to supervise the other children in the setting effectively.

Supervision of children – to comply with the EYFS, children are within sight and / or hearing of a staff member at all times.

Food and allergies – see Healthy Eating Policy.


Manual Handling – I have updated myself to understand the dangers of manual handling and how to lift and bend appropriately.

Electrical appliances – children and staff are kept safe around electrical equipment. Cables are hidden from children’s view.

Chemicals – information is available online about chemicals used in the setting; staff are trained in using chemicals safely and personal protective equipment is supplied as required. Where appropriate, chemicals are locked away and out of sight and reach of children / fully monitored when in use. PPE will be worn when dealing the bodily fluids and using chemicals as appropriate

Staff training – if relevant, staff are trained on health and safety procedures during induction; ongoing training is provided by the owner / manager.

Arrival and Departure – parents are met at the door and children come into the setting independently. This helps to limit cross contamination and supports children’s self-confidence.
Policy updates

Updated 09.2021 – to support oral health I ensure food is healthy and nutritious and encourage children to brush their teeth at home; I have spoken to parents about the importance of taking their child to the dentist for regular check-ups and plan oral health activities with the children.

Updated last 02.2022

If you have any questions, enquiries, clarifications etc, please reach us via our contact us  page. 

Thank you.

Signed:

Review Date:

The statutory framework is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2021). You can find a copy of the EYFS 2021 here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2
EYFS requirement 3.45 states: Providers must have a procedure, discussed with parents and/or carers, for responding to children who are ill or infectious, take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection, and take appropriate action if children are ill. This links to footnote 54: Guidance on health protection in schools and other childcare facilities which sets out when and for how long children need to be excluded from settings, when treatment/medication is required and where to get further advice can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities.

Policy statement: all reasonably appropriate steps are taken to protect children from illness and infection.

Illness and infection control procedures include:
- Regularly cleaning and sterilising play areas, toys and other resources.
- Ensuring children are carefully monitored when using resources which may transfer infection such as sand, water and messy play including cooking and playdough.
- Providing tissues, a lidded bin and hand wipes for the children to use independently – monitoring children’s use and supporting hand washing after use.
- Teaching children to cough or sneeze into their elbows (like and elephant) and then wash their hands.
- Using good hand washing techniques to prevent the spread of infection and cross contamination.
- Teaching children to wash their hands regularly and effectively – please reinforce this at home.
- Dealing with bodily fluids safely.
- Keeping children safe around animals.
- Talking to children about health and safety, germs, viruses etc as appropriate for their ages and levels of understanding.

If a child falls ill parents will be asked to collect them as quickly as possible and keep them at home for the advised exclusion time including, for example –
- For diarrhoea and sickness - 48 hours after last bout.
- For coronavirus (Covid-19) symptoms including colds and flu – until the child is better.
- When starting antibiotic treatment – 24 hours in case of allergic reaction.
- Following Public Health England* guidance for other common childhood illnesses.

Parents, please note that if your child is unable to participate in normal daily routines, is irritable, continuously crying or requires more attention than can be safely provided without impeding the health, safety and wellbeing of other children in the setting or is not well enough to attend other provisions such as school or nursery, they should be at home with parents.

*Note: Public Health England is now called the UK Health protection Agency but some documentation, including the childhood illnesses exclusion guidance still has the PHE logo (02.2022).

Procedure if a child falls ill
**The child will be treated using first aid and / or medication (with prior written permission) if appropriate.
**The child will be isolated if necessary.
**Every effort will be made to telephone parents to collect the child.
**In an emergency, 999 / 111 will be contacted for further advice.
**Emergency contacts will be telephoned if parents are not available.
Note: it is important that parents provide at least 2 emergency contacts for each child.

Other illness considerations
• If parents are ill – please consider whether it is safe to bring your child to the setting, to protect your child, other children and staff members.
Note: if you need to ask someone else to collect your child, you must supply a password and photo of them for us to use.
• If staff are ill – parents will be contacted as soon as reasonably practicable and asked to collect the child. Staff carry emergency contact information for children on outings.

Confidentiality – where possible, confidentiality will be maintained; however, please note that details of illnesses will be shared if advised by the Local Authority, Public Health England, Ofsted or other agencies. Please see the Confidentiality Policy for more information.

Reporting a notifiable disease – it is the duty of the attending doctor to determine whether a disease is notifiable and then to inform the Local Authority. In some instances, where required in the statutory framework, providers must inform the Local Authority and Ofsted.

Updates

Updated 03.2022 to note that childminders in England can now continue to work if someone in the household has Covid-19.
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/03/18/childminders-can-continue-to-operate-from-home-if-someone-in-their-house-has-tested-positive-for-covid/.

Updated 04.2022 to reflect changes to the UK Health Protection Agency (UKHPA – formerly PHE) advice on Covid-19. England is now following a ‘learn to live with Covid’ policy.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-sets-out-next-steps-for-living-with-covid.

If you have any questions, enquiries, clarifications etc, please reach us via our contact us page. 

Thank you.

Signed:

Review Date:

The statutory framework in England is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The latest version is March 2021 which is statutory from September 2021. You can find a copy of the EYFS here - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/974907/EYFS_framework_-_March_2021.pdf.

The requirements of the latest version of the EYFS in relation to medication state:

EYFS requirement 3.45: The provider must promote the good health, including the oral health, of children attending the setting.
EYFS requirement 3.46: Providers must have and implement a policy, and procedures, for administering medicines. It must include systems for obtaining information about a child’s needs for medicines, and for keeping this information up to date. Training must be provided for staff where the administration of medicine requires medical or technical knowledge. Prescription medicines must not be administered unless they have been prescribed for a child by a doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist (medicines containing aspirin should only be given if prescribed by a doctor).
EYFS requirement 3.47: Medicine (both prescription and non-prescription) must only be administered to a child where written permission for that particular medicine has been obtained from the child’s parent and/or carer. Providers must keep a written record each time a medicine is administered to a child and inform the child’s parents and/or carers on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable.
Footnote 55: Non-prescription medicines can include those that can be purchased from pharmacies (including some over the counter medicines which can only be purchased from a pharmacy), health shops and supermarkets. See also BMA advice: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/gp-practices/managing-workload/prescribing-over-the-counter-medicines-in-nurseries-and-school.
EYFS requirement 3.26: Providers must ensure that staff have sufficient understanding and use of English to ensure the well-being of children in their care. For example, settings must be in a position to keep records in English, to liaise with other agencies in English, to summon emergency help, and to understand instructions such as those for the safety of medicines or food hygiene.
EYFS requirement 3.19: All medication on the premises must be securely stored, and out of reach of children, at all times.
Medication Policy and Procedures

Medication policy statement
I am committed to ensuring your child’s medical needs are met and to promoting the good health of all the children in the setting. I aim to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2021) at all times.

Medication procedures

Oral health – there is a requirement in the EYFS to support your child’s oral health.
• I have information about oral health to share with you.
• The curriculum includes teaching your child about dental hygiene.
• When your child is first registered in the setting, I ask you for details about your child’s dentist - please keep this updated if there are any changes.
Note: please let me know about dentist appointments so I can help your child prepare.

Paediatric first aid – there is a requirement in the EYFS to ensure all early years staff have paediatric first aid training:
• All staff in the setting have up to date 12 hour paediatric first aid training.
• First aid certificate/s are available to share with you on request.
• If extra training is needed to support your child’s specific medical need, it will be requested from you or medical professionals as required.

Medication hand-over procedures – it is a requirement of the EYFS that all medication administration requests are recorded. Please note the following medication requirements:
• Prescribed medication must include a pharmacy label with your child’s name.
• You should hand all medication over its original container, with spoon or syringe (if required) and the information leaflet should be inside the box (if provided).
• Prescribed medication cannot be administered without prior written permission – this might mean you drop your child off early to complete the form before leaving for work – please confirm this with me first.
• The Medication Administration Form asks for details about the last dose of medication and how much – this is so I do not overdose your child.
• You must inform me where the medication should be stored – for example, in the fridge.
• At the end of the session, you will be asked to sign to confirm the medication has been given and will usually be asked to take the medication home.
• If medication is needed on outings, I will keep it secure and store it in a cool bag if necessary.
Note: if medication is found in your child’s bag, I cannot give it to your child – it will be stored in a safe place until your child is collected.
Medication administration procedures – the following procedures are followed when medication is administered to your child:
• Medication is checked – is it in the correct container? Does it include the name of your child? Is the dose correct? Does the medication treat the condition?
• The permission form will be checked.
• Wash hands and prepare the medication with a spoon, cup or syringe as provided.
• Offer the medication to your child – if your child refuses to take it or spits up the medication, you will be contacted to come and administer it to them.
• Complete, sign and date Medication Administration Record form on the same day.
Notes: medical advice will be taken if I am unsure about any procedures and you will be informed if there is a delay while advice was sought; I cannot give aspirin unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.

Emergency medication administration procedures – if your child falls ill during the day, or there is a medical emergency, I will:
• Make every effort to contact you and ask for written permission to administer medication.
• Contact NHS Direct or your child’s doctor if I am unable to contact you and follow their advice.
• Make every effort to contact you or your child’s emergency contacts to collect, unless your child needs urgent hospitalisation, in which case I will follow Emergency Procedures.
• Inform you about what has happened and complete documentation for you to sign as soon as possible.
Note: in an emergency, I might be advised to give your child non-prescribed medication after consultation with a medical practitioner – for example, if their temperature is rapidly rising and they need infant paracetamol to prevent a febrile convulsion. I will follow medical advice and make every attempt to contact you as quickly as possible. If medication is administered, I will record it for you to sign as soon as ‘reasonably practicable’ to comply with the EYFS.

Non-prescribed medication or treatment – the EYFS recognises that some medications are not prescribed by the doctor, dentist or nurse. Medication or treatment might, for example, be advised by a pharmacist. The EYFS states that you must give me written permission, in advance, to administer these medications or treatments:
• I might ask you to help me write a Care Plan for your child which includes an Ongoing Medication Permission form.
• The Ongoing Medication Permission form must include instructions about dosage, time of administration and any other details advised by the chemist or other professional.
• You will be informed when the treatment has been given.
Note: non-prescribed medication might include, for example, eczema emollient purchased over the counter, teething gel, hand cream for sore hands after outside play or excessive hand washing, nappy rash cream, hay fever tablets or spray, homeopathic or natural remedies etc; I cannot give aspirin unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.
Self-medication – sometimes, older children carry medication if it is needed at school.
I will discuss this you and your child during induction and regularly review records to ensure all children are safe. I need to be aware of any medication on the premises and I must be confident it is stored safely. Medication use will be supervised when your child is on the premises.

Medication storage – to ensure health and safety:
• Medication is clearly labelled and stored out of sight and reach of children.
• Expiry dates for stored medication are checked regularly.
• Medication is returned to you for replacement and safe disposal when no longer needed.
• Medication is stored in its original container and below 25° c.
• Medication is stored out of sight and reach of children but, where necessary, immediately accessible in case of a medical emergency.

Caring for children with long-term medical needs – if your child has long-term medical needs:
• I will work with you to complete a Care Plan which will detail their care needs.
• As part of the Care Plan, you will be asked to give me permission to administer medication or treatment long-term or medication in an emergency.
• I will record any medication given to your child and ask you to sign.
Note: information about your child’s ongoing medical needs must be updated regularly.

Allergic or other reactions: I will not normally give the first days’ dose of a new medication in case of an allergic reaction. If your child has a reaction to any medication or treatment, I will stop administering it immediately and request medical advice. I will make every effort to inform you as soon as practical.

Record keeping and retention: to comply with the EYFS and my Information Commissioner’s Office registration:
• All staff speak and record medication information in English.
• Records will be retained in a secure location with your child’s file.
• Records will be retained for ‘a reasonable period of time’ to comply with data protection legislation.
• Records relating to serious injuries or death of a child will be retained for longer, as advised.
• At the end of the required retention period records will be shredded and any information stored on computer safety destroyed.

If you have any questions, further enquiries, clarifications etc, please reach us via our contact us page.

Thank you.

Signed:

Review Date:


Update for Covid-19 06.2021

Following Public Health England guidance and my own risk assessment:

• You do not enter the setting, so medication administration forms will be available for you to complete on the driveway before dropping your child off in the setting. Please note that medication cannot be given until the form has been fully completed and signed.

• If there is any risk of transfer of bodily fluids when administering medication – for example, your child spitting out medicine or spitting at the staff member who is giving the medication or treatment, you will be asked to come and give your child the medicine.

• If your child falls ill with a high temperature or a new persistent cough, you will be contacted for immediate collection. Current exclusion periods recommended by the Government will be followed.

• Symptoms of coronavirus typically appear 2 – 10 days after infection. This means that someone who is infected may have a normal temperature. However, a high temperature of over 37.8c is one of the symptoms and I reserve the right to take your child’s temperature during the day if I am concerned about their health.

• I will / will not administer Calpol to support your child while they wait for you to collect.

• If your child shows symptoms of Covid-19, they will be isolated until you can collect them. if you do not answer my messages I will contact your emergency contacts – please keep this list updated and consider length of journey to the setting and availability.

Signed:

Review Date:

I take your privacy seriously and record, process and keep personal information about you and your child/ren in accordance with Article 6 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, May 2018): ‘the rights of the data subjects’.

It is a requirement of my registration with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) to provide you with information about the details I keep about you and your child/ren.
ICO – https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/what-we-do/register-of-data-controllers/.

Post Brexit from January 31st, 2020, to comply with new UK-GDPR (United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation) legislation I am required to share this Privacy Notice with you which will inform you about the information I need to keep from you, why I need it, how it will be stored and how it will be used. I will also explain how it will be deleted from my files when it is no longer needed.

This requirement applies to information I collect in relation to:
• Online data processing
• Paper data processing

Before I collect data about you and your child/ren I must ensure I have a legal basis for it – there are 6 legal bases for data collection:
• Consent: you have given me permission to process your data.
• Contractual: I need the information to comply with the statutory framework.
• Legal obligation: I must collect the information to comply with the law.
• Vital interests: the information is necessary to protect someone’s life.
• Legitimate interests: I must have good reason to ask you for the information.
• Public task: not usually relevant for early years providers.


Information I need about you and your child/ren
I hold information about you and your child/ren to allow me to comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2021) and the Childcare Register (2021). Some of the data I process relates to the Ofsted Early Years Inspection handbook (2021). Most of the information I collect about you and your child is statutory; when information is optional, I will let you know that you have a choice whether to share it with me or not. Please ask me if you would like me to signpost copies of these documents.

To support your child’s development and to help me monitor your child’s progress, I hold developmental records about your child including:
• Information from you about your child’s learning and development at home.
• A copy of your child’s statutory 2 year progress check to share with Ofsted.
• Observations, assessments and planning related to your child’s learning and development.

To help me comply with legislation, I hold personal records about your child including:
• Personal details required by the statutory frameworks.
• Information required by the Local Authority for funding purposes (if relevant).
• Contractual details including attendance registers and fees information.
• Emergency details including your contact details and records of your child’s health and care needs.
• Safeguarding / child protection records.
• Other setting details including any records required to support your child such as shared information from other agencies and professionals.

Some of the data I ask from you is classed as ‘special category data’ and I must ensure I keep it securely. This data includes, for example:
• Your child’s health visitor, doctor and dentist details.
• Information about your child’s allergies and immunisations.
• Your child’s religion.
• Whether your child has any special educational needs and / or disabilities.

What I do with your data and with whom it is shared
I am required to ensure the information I collect about you and your child/ren is treated confidentially and only shared when there is a need for it to be shared, ideally with your permission in advance of sharing, for example (tick as relevant) –
◻ I share information with other settings or agencies involved in your child’s care – I am required to do this by the EYFS (see Permission Form).
◻ I am required to write a Progress Check at 2 for your child when they are between the ages of 2 and 3 years. If I am concerned about your child’s progress and need to share it with the health visitor, I will ask for your permission first (see the EYFS for more information).
◻ I am required to share information with my Local Authority for the purposes of the 2-, 3- and 4-year-old funding offer and any extra funding I might claim for your child (see the Local Authority Privacy Notice for more details).
◻ I share information about income and expenses including, when requested, your invoices and payments with HMRC and Tax Credits.

Ensuring your data is accurate
To comply with data protection requirements, I keep data about you and your child/ren up-to-date and to ensure it is accurate: I will ask you to help me do this regularly. You have the right to access personal data about you and your child/ren and I will share this information with you on request.

How long I keep your data
I am required to inform you how long I retain information about you and your child/ren. You will find this information in my Retention Policy which I will share with you before your child/ren starts in my care and further information about document retention will be clarified in the Contract Termination letter which I will give you when your child leaves the setting.

How I delete your data
Online deletion - files on the computer are deleted when no longer required.
Paper deletion - files held in paper format, including photos of children, are either handed to parents when the child leaves or goes to school or shredded when no longer required.

How you can make a complaint
Please see my Complaints Policy for details of how you can make a complaint to Ofsted or ICO.


Signed:


Review date:

The statutory framework is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2021) – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2.
EYFS requirement 3.29 states: Providers must ensure that children are adequately supervised, including whilst eating.
EYFS requirement 3.48 states: Where children are provided with meals, snacks and drinks, they must be healthy, balanced and nutritious. Before a child is admitted to the setting the provider must also obtain information about any special dietary requirements, preferences and food allergies that the child has, and any special health requirements. Fresh drinking water must be available and accessible to children at all times. Providers must record and act on information from parents and carers about a child's dietary needs.
EYFS requirement 3.49 states: There must be an area which is adequately equipped to provide healthy meals, snacks and drinks for children as necessary. There must be suitable facilities for the hygienic preparation of food for children, if necessary including suitable sterilisation equipment for babies’ food. Providers must be confident that those responsible for preparing and handling food are competent to do so. In group provision, all staff involved in preparing and handling food must receive training in food hygiene. In addition, section 4 of ‘Example menus for early years settings in England’ (see footnote 56) includes guidance on menu planning, food safety, managing food allergies and reading food labels, which staff preparing food will find helpful in ensuring that children are kept safe.
Forexample menus and guidance see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/example-menus-for-early-years-settings-in-england.
EYFS requirement 3.50 states: Registered providers must notify Ofsted or the childminder agency with which they are registered of any food poisoning affecting two or more children cared for on the premises. Notification must be made as soon as is reasonably practicable, but in any event within 14 days of the incident. A registered provider, who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with this requirement, commits an offence.
The educational programme for personal, social and emotional development states: Through adult modelling and guidance, they will learn how to look after their bodies, including healthy eating, and manage personal needs independently.

My policy

I take pride in my healthy food and drink provision. Mealtimes are an important time of the day and we all sit together to eat. Children are supervised constantly when eating.

I am committed to offering children healthy, nutritious food which meets their individual dietary requirements as advised by their parents. All food is freshly prepared, using best quality ingredients where possible and presented well. Portion sizes are realistic and children are never asked to clear plates as I am aware of the risks of over-eating.

On special occasions food might be used as part of a festival, birthday or celebration and I sometimes offer children food which might not be considered healthy such as cakes for a birthday party. If parents have a concern about this they should let me know.

As part of induction, I ask parents about their child’s dietary needs. I consider likes, dislikes, allergies, intolerances, religious and cultural needs when planning menus. I keep this information regularly updated. If I am told that children need food at times other than my usual mealtimes or different from my usual menu items to accommodate medical needs, I will make arrangements to support them.

Fresh drinking water is provided in age-appropriate cups on a tray which is accessible for all the children; outside water is provided in a ‘help yourself’ dispenser and the children use open cups or sports bottles depending on preference.

The kitchen is suitable for food preparation and cleaning is robust. I am registered with the local authority as a food provider. I have facilities for sterilising baby bottles and equipment.

I am registered with the Local Authority Environmental Health Department as a food provider and update food hygiene training regularly. I use the guidance ‘Safer Food Better Business for Childminders’ from the Food Standards Agency. I am happy to be inspected by a food safety officer or complete a questionnaire if requested.
The guidance ‘Example menus for early years settings in England’ contains advice about menu planning and food allergies. I am aware of the EU requirement to be able to inform parents, if asked, about any of the 14 most common allergens in their child’s food.

I am aware of the requirements under the Public Health (Infection Diseases) Regulations 1988 regarding food poisoning and the requirement to inform Ofsted, acting on advice given by the Health Protection Agency. I retain food receipts for the recommended 3 months period and f I have to make a report, the information will be recorded.

I teach children about healthy eating and drinking as part of the daily routine. Children help to buy, prepare and cook food and enjoy helping in the kitchen. Risk assessments help to keep children safe in the kitchen and when they are cooking.

When parents provide food, it is stored appropriately and set out on a plate for the child.

Animals, including any pets, will be kept away from food preparation areas at all times; if animals access the kitchen, work surfaces and utensils will be thoroughly cleaned before food preparation.

Baby changing facilities are not near food preparation areas to prevent cross contamination of bodily fluids.

Laundry facilities are not used at the same time as food is being prepared and dirty laundry is not stored on food preparation surfaces.

To prevent the spread of infection, following latest NHS and government guidance:
**Food, drinks, plates, cutlery and cups are not shared.
**Children’s cups are personalised to ensure they are not shared.
**When children make food, they work in their own space and are reminded not to put their fingers in their mouth when cooking.
**Hand washing routines are robust and hand contact points are regularly sterilised.
Extra precautions, guided by the UK Health Protection Agency (formerly Public Health England), are taken to keep children as safe as possible and practical when preparing food, eating or drinking in the setting.
Updated 03.2022 to add in general NHS and UK Health Protection Agency (UKHPA – formerly Public Health England) advice about infection control procedures.

If you have any questions about my policy, please use the contact us page.


Signed:


Review date:

The Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures covers:
• Underpinning legislation.
• Definitions of safeguarding / child protection.
• Safeguarding / child protection statement.
• Thresholds of need.
• Signs and symptoms of abuse.
• Ofsted reporting requirements.
• Action to be taken if there is a safeguarding concern about a child.
• Action to be taken if a child makes a safeguarding disclosure.
• Action to be taken if an allegation is made against the provider or a staff / family member.
• Mobile phone and camera policy.
• Supporting vulnerable children.
• Whistleblowing.
• Attendance monitoring.
• The Prevent Duty.
• Online safety.
• Record keeping and ICO registration.
• Partnership working.
• Sharing the policy with staff and parents.
• Additional safeguarding information.
• Designated safeguarding lead signature.

Appendices cover:
1. Local Authority threshold of need.
2. Definitions and symptoms of abuse.
3. Reporting to Ofsted.
4. Contact details and noticeboard poster.
5. Recording disclosures.
6. Ofsted parent poster.
7. Additional policies.
8. Additional safeguarding information.
9. Covid-19 addendum.
10. Staff addendum.
Child Protection and safeguarding policy

DOMINION CHILDCARE LIMITED
Name of the Designed Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
NKIRU DEBORAH IKENGA-METUH
Contact details: 07713011371
Deputy DSL (if relevant) details:
Contact details:

Underpinning legislation
This policy demonstrates my commitment to child protection and compliance with underpinning safeguarding legislation. The main pieces of legislation and guidance underpinning this policy include:
**The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2021).
**The Childcare Register.
**Working together to safeguard children.
**What to do if you are worried a child is being abused.
**Ofsted’s guidance to inspecting safeguarding in the early years.
**Information sharing.
**Keeping children safe in education.
**Prevent Duty guidance for England and Wales.
**The Equality Act 2010.
**Disqualification under the Childcare Act.
**General Data Protection Regulation and UK data protection legislation.
**United Nations Rights of the Child.
Further legislation and non-statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance may also be accessed.

Definitions of safeguarding / child protection
**Safeguarding means protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of children at risk, enabling them to live safely, free from abuse and neglect.
**Child protection is part of the safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.
Safeguarding / child protection statement
EYFS requirement 3.2 states: ‘Providers must take all necessary steps to keep children safe and well.’
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone in contact with children and their families has a role to play in safeguarding. My role as a childminder is to comply with the statutory requirements in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2021) and the Childcare Registers and to protect the children in my care.
Some of the ways I fulfil this responsibility are to keep this policy updated, stay up-to-date with changes to child protection threats and complete regular safeguarding training. Every child in my setting has a named key person and the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) works closely with the Local Authority Safeguarding Partners and follows their advice in relation to child protection and safeguarding concerns.
I aim to ensure that all children, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, are treated with equal respect and have equal rights to protection.

Thresholds of need
I have attached the thresholds of need from my Local Safeguarding Partners to this policy – appendix 1.
If a child lives in a different Local Authority, I will retain reporting information for and follow the procedures provided by that Local Authority.

Signs and symptoms of abuse
I am aware of the 4 main types of abuse – physical, emotional, neglect and sexual. I have attached the latest information about the 4 types of abuse, defined in the statutory guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’, to this policy. I have also included guidance on the symptoms of abuse and changes to children’s behaviour which might indicate abuse – appendix 2.

Ofsted reporting requirements
I have attached the reporting guidance from the Ofsted document ‘Early Years Providers: non-compliance action’ to this policy – appendix 3. I am aware of the requirement to report changes to Ofsted in relation to disqualification (all providers) and disqualification by association (childminders only).

Action to be taken if there is a safeguarding concern about a child
Children need to feel secure in a safe environment. I am alert to safeguarding concerns in the setting or at home. For example, I will record if a child arrives at the setting with injuries and notify the Local Authority Safeguarding Partners if the injuries are unexplained; I am aware that marks on a non-mobile baby or child are unlikely to be accidental and must be reported; I recognise the risks to children from sexual abuse such as female genital mutilation which is illegal and must be reported to the police (non-emergency number).
If I suspect there is a child protection issue, I will take appropriate steps to support the child and record concerns, following advice from my Local Authority, using appropriate documentation when required. Concerns will be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Children Partners.
I have attached a list of contact details and a noticeboard poster to this policy – appendix 4.

Action to be taken if a child makes a safeguarding disclosure
Every child has a named key person who they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty. If a child makes a disclosure related to safeguarding, I will record exactly what was said and report the disclosure to parents and, if relevant, to the relevant agency.
I recognise that where a child’s behaviour changes suddenly or over a period of time and / or a child displays behaviour that worries me, this might be a sign of possible abuse or trauma.
I have received training from the Local Authority on how to receive children’s disclosures – appendix 5. The Local Authority states that I would normally speak to parents about disclosures – however, I must not speak to parents if I think the discussion might make home life worse for the child or if the disclosure relates to suspected sexual abuse, induced / fabricated illness or FGM.

Action to be taken if a safeguarding allegation is made against me or a family member / staff
If a child or parent makes an allegation against me (the childminder), my family, visitors or, if relevant, staff in the setting, their comments will be recorded and a report will be made to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) who will take over the investigation. Ofsted and other agencies will also be informed and may conduct their own investigation.

Mobile phone and camera policy
Staff use mobile phones and cameras in the setting to communicate with parents and to make phone calls in emergencies; photos of children are shared with parents to support children’s home learning; some photos are printed for children’s files or to display in the setting. Parental permission is requested from parents in relation to sharing group photographs, to comply with data protection legislation.
Smart watches are not used to monitor emails, phone calls etc during working hours.
Visitors are not left unsupervised and do not use mobile phones or cameras when near the children.
I am aware that safeguarding legislation has made upskirting (taking photos up skirts) a reportable offence.

Supporting vulnerable children
I am aware that children with special educational needs and / or disabilities (SEND) are especially vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Where appropriate, I aim to work closely with parents and other agencies / professionals involved in the child’s care.

Whistleblowing
I am aware of the requirement to disclose information if the intention is to keep children safe. Whistleblowing might cover, for example, raising concerns about poor staff practice including disqualification notifications; concerns about inappropriate comments, excessive one-to-one attention beyond the normal or inappropriate sharing of images by a colleague or manager; if I observe poor practice while on an outing; if I am worried about a child in any context.
Practitioners and parents should report concerns to the Local Authority Safeguarding Partners.

Attendance monitoring
While attendance in early years settings is not statutory, I encourage regular attendance to ensure children gain the most benefit from their time here. If a child was expected and not brought by parents, I must consider that the absence may be linked to safeguarding reasons – for example, a parent has had an accident or died at home, or a child has an injury which parents are hiding from me. The requirement to monitor children’s attendance is also linked to FGM and the Prevent Duty.

The Prevent Duty
I am aware of the risks of children being radicalised or exposed to extremism in their family or online. If I am concerned a child is being radicalised or exposed to extremism, I will raise it with the relevant agency within the Local Authority Safeguarding Partners.
To comply with the Prevent Duty requirements, I am required to actively promote British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance and share information with parents.

Online safety
There are many benefits to children using technology in the setting. However, the internet can be a dangerous place. I aim to keep children safe online by their monitoring online use and encouraging children to be open about what they are doing online. Children are taught how to stay safe online in age-appropriate ways and any computers, tablets or other internet accessible resources are secure. Information about online safety is shared with parents. I am aware of the latest cyber-crime guidance in the EYFS 2021.

Record keeping and ICO registration
The Local Authority requires me to pass safeguarding / child protection records on to the next setting and complete a record transfer letter. Until this time, records (paper and online) are stored as securely as possible and confidentially. I have a clear desk policy when there are visitors in the setting. I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office (registration renewed annually).

Partnership working
Data protection legislation is not a barrier to information sharing in a safeguarding / child protection context. I aim to work in partnership with other agencies and / or professionals, to ensure procedures are suitable to identify, assess and support children.

Sharing this policy with parents
Parents are partners in the setting and the policy is shared to help them understand my obligations regarding child protection and safeguarding. External sources of guidance are also signposted for parents and I am available in the setting to answer parent questions.
This policy and the appendices must be provided in writing and shared with parents to comply with the Childcare Register requirements. An Ofsted parent poster must also be displayed in the setting to share Ofsted contact details – appendix 6.
Additional policies are also shared with parents to support my safeguarding commitment and can be read in the setting or provided by email on request – appendix 7.

Additional safeguarding information
Further safeguarding definitions and information is available in my Safeguarding File. The policy and appendices are also used for professional development / in-house training – appendix 8.

Designated safeguarding lead signature

Signature/Date:

Policy review date: this policy will be updated annually and as required.
Policy updates
05.2020 – a Covid-19 addendum was added to the Safeguarding Policy – appendix 9.
06.2021 – staff documentation updated (to be used as relevant) – appendix 10.
04.2021 – training was accessed to update safeguarding / child protection knowledge.
09.2021 – the Policy was updated to include information from the revised EYFS 2021.

Staff signatures
Staff linked to the setting must sign to confirm they have read and understood the Safeguarding Policy. The policy might be used for induction and ongoing safeguarding / child protection training.


Name: Date:


Signature: