Audit of statutory duties and associated responsibilities for childminders (not early years settings) in relation to ‘Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education’ (DCSF 2007) and considering ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (DfE July 2016)

Completion and return target date 22/06/17

This audit

  • can be used to contribute to your ongoing self evaluation of quality in your setting, identifying any gaps and development areas
  • provides statutory information to Gloucestershire’s Safeguarding Children Service
  • will help to ensure that gaps are identified and plans put in place in order to help safeguard children
  • will ensure that your settinghas clear evidence for the Self Evaluation Form (SEF)

This Audit is based upon the statutory requirements of the Department for Education statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (2017) and has also been based upon the Audit of Schools in Gloucestershire. The Audit of schools was driven by Section 175 of the Education Act 2002, implemented in June 2004, which introduced new statutory duties for schools, governing bodies and local authorities. ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education,’ S.175 guidance, requires governing bodies to carry out an annual review of the school’s policies and procedures and to provide information to the LA about how the duties set out in the guidance have been discharged. Please note, all registered childminders must complete this audit whether they have children on roll or not.

A previousSerious Case Review in Gloucestershire identified pre-school settings and childminders as a priority for audit along with schools.

Safeguarding is a focus area of the new Ofsted Inspection Framework (Sept 2015) as inspectors will make a judgment about the effectiveness of the arrangements for safeguarding children.

Ideally, youshould work on this audit twice a year - once to complete and submit the audit to the LA as required in the Gloucestershire Provider Agreement 2017 - 2018: (Comply with Gloucestershire County Council’s requirements to complete and return the safeguarding audit), and then half way through the year to review and agree actions for the next audit. These audits and reviews should be formally recorded not least so that you can evidence these for Ofsted.

Each childmindershould have the following in place (from Early Years Foundation Stage requirements):

  • A written safeguarding policy and up to date child protection (cp) procedures that includes the risks of peer on peer abuse (A list of points to include in a policy is available from the ‘LIVE’ Child Protection Handbook for Educational setting which can be found at Please do not print this, always use the ‘LIVE’ version which is kept up to date. The policy must be updated annually (Keeping Children Safe in Education 2016). If employing assistants you must also have a staff behaviour (conduct) policy.
  • You must have attended training at the agreed GSCB level. Appropriate levels for Early Years are: Inter-Agency Training every 2 years for the Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) which includes childminders and if you employ any assistants, single agency training provided by the GSCB every 3 years for all other staff. The DSL needs to refresh knowledge and skills at least annually and all other staff need to receive regular updates annually.
  • Notify the Local Authority Designated Officer (01452 426994) of any allegations of abuse against yourself or persons living or working on the premises at which the childminder takes place without delay.
  • Notify the Children’s Helpdesk (01452 426565) of any concerns you have about a child being abused at home.
  • You MUST notify Ofsted of Serious accidents, injuries and deaths and notify local child protection agencies.
  • An Acceptable Users Policy for IT equipment used by children, and yourself (This should include use of computers, social networking sites, mobile phones, cameras, memory sticks etc.) If children have access to the internet, you must have appropriate filters and monitoring systems in place to protect children from harmful online material.

Audit of statutory duties and associated responsibilities for early years settings in relation to ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (DFE 2016)

Name of childminder………………………………………………………Unique Reference……………………………………………………………..

Name(s) of any other registered childminders in your setting………………………………………………………………………………………….

Name(s) of any assistants in your setting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Please tick appropriate box / Yes / No / Date of Training:
I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead for Child Protection (DSL) and I have completed GSCBinter-agency CP training within the last 2 years
Provider:Must be GSCB if not please check you have completed correct level of training.
I have another childminder/assistant working with me who is a deputy DSL(s) who has completed GSCB inter-agency CP training within the last 2 years / Name of other childminder:
Date of Training:
Provider: Must be GSCB if not please check you have completed correct level of training.
If I employ other childminders/assistants they have all completed the single agency training provided by the GSCB every 3 years . / List the names and positions of all others registered to work in your childminding setting and dates of training for each person:
I am familiar with the Ofsted document “Inspecting safeguarding in early years, education and skills settings (Aug 2016)

I have a current paediatric first aid certificate. This is renewed every 3 years / Date of Training:

I agree that the information in this audit is correct and the actions have been agreed.

Signature of Childminder(s)…………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………….....

Identify which of the statements below best describe/best fitsyour setting:

If your setting is scoring mostly 1s – well done and thank you for your continuing commitment in this area.

If your setting is scoring mostly Level 2 or 3, you clearly have made a good start but still have some work to do. Plan some work in before your next Ofsted inspection. Please use the Safeguarding Action Plan, (Appendix 1)to highlight areas for improvement.

If your setting is scoring mostly Level 4 you need to make your safeguarding and child protection planning a priority; your next Ofsted inspection may be very critical of the gaps. Seek help and advice from your Early Years Adviser, who will be happy to provide advice regarding, training and assistance to you and your setting.

1)Thechildminderssafeguarding policy

1. I have a policy which is up to date and includes the points provided by the LA (DSL Handbook) and includes the risk of peer on peer abuse and takes account of the guidance in the Early Years Foundation Stage, 2017 (page 16, para 3.4), There is evidence the policy has been read by all assistants and volunteers (if applicable). Also, parents are aware of it through the prospectus and/or mywebsite if applicable. The policy is reviewed annually.The policy covers all safeguarding elements described in the Ofsted publication “Inspecting safeguarding in early years, education and skills settings (updated Aug 2016)
2. I have a policy which is up to date, includes the points provided by the LA (DSL Handbook), takes account of the guidance in the Early Years Foundation Stage, 2017 (page 16, para 3.4). The policy is shared with and accessible to parents but not fully effective in that not all assistants and volunteers are aware of it(if relevant). The policy is reviewed annually.
3. I have a policy but it needs updating.
4. I have no safeguarding policy currently in place.

2)Child protection procedures

1. I and any assistants or volunteers (if applicable) know where to find the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Board (GSCB) procedures ( and use these within my setting. If relevant assistants are given a copy of myCP policy and are made aware that I am the DSL. I asDSL have registered for email alerts with the GSCB website and know how to use the Escalation Policy when necessary. I am aware of the revised document ‘What to do if you are worried a child is being abused’ (2015)
2. I and any assistants or volunteers (If applicable)and parents are aware of the GSCB and my setting’s child protection policy and procedures. I have registered for email alerts with the GSCB website.
3. Procedures are in place but only I know about them. I have not registered for email alerts with the GSCB website.
4. Child protection policy and procedures are not in place.

3)Consistency and cross referencing of procedures

1. All of my key policies/procedures are aligned and cross refer to my child protection policy, e.g. anti-bullying, medical needs, first aid, physical intervention, managing behaviour (please refer to Managing Behaviour, EYFS 2017, (page 28 para 3.52)), health and safety, complaints, Acceptable User Policy, SEN, outings and attendance. All policies are reviewed annually with assistants (if applicable) within the appropriate timescales for each policy. Children with medical needs have had their individual plan updated to ensure their safety and this includes those with asthma.
2. All of my policies and procedures have been identified and those due to be reviewed in line with current safeguarding policy and CP procedures have been drawn up in an action plan to ensure they are cross-reference appropriately.
3. I have made a start at looking at other policies/procedures that need to reference to the safeguarding policy and CP procedures
4. Although CPprocedures are in place, other policies and procedures (e.g. anti-bullying, positive handling and restraint, discipline, health and safety, complaints etc.) contradict or do not reference them
1. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2016), I have carefully considered how I can sign post parents and carers to offers of Early Help including examples such as:- guidance on parenting, language development, dietary advice, money management, toileting , CSE screening tool (if applicable), listening to the voice of the child to identify FGM, promoting fundamental British values, multi-agency working (MARAC, MASH and Social Care), accident prevention, referral processes and training and considering permanency for the child. If I employ assistants or volunteers they are aware of these and know how to raise a concern and the Gloucestershire graduated pathway of my plan, my plan+. The offer of Early Help is written and referred to in a policy and for parents. Iknow about the Families First Plus Team and their Early Help Co-coordinator.
2. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2015) I have carefully considered how I can sign post parents and carers to offers of Early Help including examples such as:- guidance on parenting, language development, dietary advice, money management, toileting , CSE screening tool, listening to the voice of the child to identify FGM, promoting fundamental British values, multi-agency working (MARAC, MASH and Social Care), accident prevention, referral processes and trainingand considering permanency for the child. If I employ assistants not all are aware of these and know how to raise a concern. The offer of Early Help is not written and referred to in a policy and for parents.
3. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2015I am considering how I can find out about offers of Early Help to parents and carers, including examples such as:- guidance on parenting, language development, dietary advice, money management, toileting, CSE screening tool, listening to the voice of the child to identify FGM, staff supervision, promoting fundamental British values , multi-agency working (MARAC, MASH and Social Care), accident prevention, referral processes and training and considering permanency for the child. I am not aware of the graduated pathway and My plan My Plan +.
4. What is Early Help?

4)Offer of Early Help (see definition:

5) Training

1. As the DSLI have received GSCBinter-agency CP training appropriate to my role in the last two years and (if applicable) all other assistants/childminders have received GSCB basic awareness training in the last three years.
2. I have had updated child protection training but it was not the inter-agency training in the last two years but other assistants (if applicable) have been offered training.
3. I have received inter-agency training in the past, but this has not been updated in the last two years. (if applicable) I employ assistants and they have not been offered training (NB this would be a potential negative judgment for Ofsted Inspection).
4. I have not attended any inter-agency child protection training (if applicable) and assistants have not received any training.

6) Safeguarding and the Early Years Foundation Stage (The Voice of the Child)

1. Through play based activities, children are encouraged to talk about feelings to deal assertively with pressures, are listened to, and know they can turn to me for help and advice if necessary. I have identified, listened to and made provision for my most vulnerable or those destined for disadvantage children. I can identify those who are more vulnerable (e.g. who have a parent in prison, drug using parents, domestic abuse in the home, Special Educational Needs, medical needs, are on a Child Protection Plan or have had Child Protection concerns raised about them, are Children in Care, or are children with a disability or children who may have been subject to FGM or vulnerable to CSE) I have sought their views on my setting life and can evidence that provision is in place to support them within my setting.
2. Iprovide some opportunities for children to consider risk situations and explore strategies for keeping safe. I have identified and made provision for my most vulnerable children. I can identify those who are more vulnerable or destined to disadvantage (e.g. who have a parent in prison, drug using parents, domestic abuse in the home, Special Educational Needs, medical needs, are on a Child Protection Plan or have child protection concerns raised about them, are Children in Care, or are children with a disability or children who may have been subject to FGM or vulnerable to CSE) and I can evidence that provision is in place to support them within my setting but I have not sought their views about my provision.
3. I am seeking training/advice about how to develop opportunities for safeguarding and child protection work. I can identify those who are more vulnerable (e.g. who have a parent in prison, drug using parents, domestic abuse in the home, Special Educational Needs, medical needs, are on a Child Protection Plan or have child protection concerns raised about them, are Children in Care, or are children with a disability or children who may have been subject to FGM or vulnerable to CSE) and I am currently looking at seeking their views and ensuring provision is in place to support them in my setting.
4. I generally do not view safeguarding and child protection as having a place in the activities in my setting. I would struggle to identify my most vulnerable children and any provision in place is not informed by the most vulnerable groups.

7) Safer Working Practice

1. I am confident that my premises are secure and that no one may enter or leave without my knowledge. I ensure that all assistants, visitors and volunteers who come regularly into my setting sign in (where applicable). Identification of visitors are verified and checked. Only assistants who have been carefully scruitinised and have had a CRB/DBS check have unsupervised access to children on my premises. I have a written guide for any assistants, visitors (if applicable) on safer working practicewho come regularly into my premises which they have signed to confirm they have read.
I have informed all persons living or working at my premises that they are expected to disclose any convictions, cautions, court orders, reprimands and warnings that may affect their suitability to work with children (whether received before or during their employment at my setting) and they sign a declaration to confirm this annually. I record information about assistant’s qualifications and continuous professional development. I am aware that as a registered provider I may be disqualified because I live in the same household as another person who is disqualified, and or that any assistants I employ may be disqualified because they live in the same household as a disqualified person. I am aware that I must notify Ofsted of any significant event which is likely to affect the suitability of any person who is in regular contact with children on the premises where childcare is provided. The disqualification of an employee could be an instance of a significant event. If a registered person or childcare worker is disqualified they may, in some circumstances, be able to obtain a ‘waiver’ from Ofsted. I am aware of the information that I must provide to Ofsted (Early Years Foundation Stage pg 19/20 3.15)
2. I am confident that my premises are secure and that no one may enter or leave. I check the identification of any visitors and have a visitor’s log. If I employ assistants they sign in and have CRB/DBS checks. I have informed all persons living or working at my premises that they are expected to disclose any convictions, cautions, court orders, reprimands and warnings that may affect their suitability to work with children (whether received before or during their employment at my setting) and they sign a declaration to confirm this. I am aware that as a registered provider I may be disqualified because I live in the same household as another person who is disqualified, and or that any assistants I employ may be disqualified because they live in the same household as a disqualified person. I am aware that I must notify Ofsted of any significant event which is likely to affect the suitability of any person who is in regular contact with children on the premises where childcare is provided. The disqualification of an employee could be an instance of a significant event. If a registered person or childcare worker is disqualified they may, in some circumstances, be able to obtain a ‘waiver’ from Ofsted. I am aware of the information that I must provide to Ofsted (Early Years Foundation Stage pg 19/20)
3. I believe my premises are secure. I do not sign visitors into my premises. My assistants (if applicable) sign in and have CRB/DBS checks. I do verbally check assistants (if applicable) on- going suitability but I am not aware of the disqualification by association.
4. I am not sure my premises are always secure. I do not sign visitors into my setting. My assistants (if applicable) do not sign in but CRB/DBS checks are in place. I do not check assistants (if applicable) on- going suitability and I am not aware of the disqualification by association.

8) Children with Disabilities and Special Educational Needs (SEN)