Early Years Childminders

EYFS Management & Safeguarding Audit

Early years childminders

Childminder(s):
Ofsted URN:
Date audit started:
Setting representative(s) for audit:
Email address of registered provider(s):
Early Years Support and Intervention Officer:
Age group cared for: / Opening hours:
Layout of premises (attach floor plan if available, or give brief description):
Other relevant information:

Guidance for completion:

This audit has been based upon the ‘Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2017)’, ‘LSCB guidance’, Ofsted ‘Inspecting Safeguarding in Early Years, Education and Skills Settings (2015)’ and the Ofsted ‘Early Years Inspection Handbook, Part 2 The Evaluation Schedule (2015)’. It is the responsibility of the childcare provider to ensure that EYFS and other legal requirements are fully met. Childcare providers are expected to regularly review the EYFS Statutory Requirements as part of ongoing monitoring and improvement of practice. The advice offered at the time of this audit has been based upon the information made available by the childcare provider.

In order to complete this audit it is essential to refer to the EYFS Statutory Framework to ensure that the legal requirements are thoroughly understood and met. Ofsted’s Early Years Evaluation Schedule should also be referred to for a description of how Ofsted makes judgements on quality. Early years providers are expected to aim for a minimum grading of ‘Good’.

The ‘EYFS Ref’ column gives the relevant paragraph numbers of the EYFS Statutory Framework (2017). Where there is no specific reference within the Statutory Framework, there is a related definition of good practice in Ofsted’s Early Years Evaluation Schedule. The ‘Ofsted Guidance’ relates to Inspecting Safeguarding in early years, education and skills setting (2015) and corresponding paragraph numbers.

The ‘Comments/Action required’ column should be used to record:

·  any practice that is notably strong;

·  any action required to meet requirements (these should be highlighted in bold/colour and transferred to an improvement plan);

·  any advice provided to strengthen practice (this should also be highlighted in bold/colour and transferred to an improvement plan).

Sources of support and further information: (for direct access to web links, press ‘Ctrl’ while you left-click)

Accessed? / Accessed?
East Sussex County Council c-zone pages; https://czone.eastsussex.gov.uk/ / East Sussex Training Directory: Accessed through learning portal:
https://childrens.eastsussexlearning.org.uk/courses/bookings/default.asp?ds=1&ccid=21
Early Years Improvement Team Facebook Page; https://www.facebook.com/EastSussexCCEarlyYears/
EYFS requirements, guidance and email updates (sign up): www.foundationyears.org.uk – ‘EYFS Statutory Framework’, ‘Development Matters’, ‘Progress Check at Age Two’, ‘Birth to Three Matters’, ‘EYFS for Parents’ / Ofsted website and email updates (sign up): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted
Including Ofsted Self Evaluation Form and Guidance &
Early Years Inspection Handbook (includes Evaluation Schedule)
Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) guidelines, including Continuum of Need: http://www.eastsussexlscb.org.uk/home_links.html
Pan Sussex Procedures for Child Protection and Safeguarding:
http://sussexchildprotection.procedures.org.uk / Fundamental British Values in the Early Years:
http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2015/03/fundamental-british-values-in-the-early-years/
The Prevent Duty: Advice for Schools and Childcare Providers (protecting children from radicalisation and extremism): www.gov.uk/government/publications/protecting-children-from-radicalisation-the-prevent-duty / Safer Recruitment E-Learning – free to Ofsted-registered providers – approx. 2-3 hours:
Accessed through the learning portal
Course Code: CWC/17/002
Safeguarding children and Prevent e-learning courses;
https://childrens.eastsussexlearning.org.uk/elearning/Course/Search?CategoryId=4&SubcategoryId=9&runSearch=1 / ACAS - guidance and support with employment and human resources matters: www.acas.org.uk
Disclosure and Barring Service, including information about suitability checks and making referrals: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service/about / Guidance (aimed at schools) for supporting children with medical conditions: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions--3
Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice 2014 - www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25 / Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Local Offer guidance: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/childrenandfamilies/specialneeds/add-your-service-to-local-offer/guidance-for-childminders/
Safer Food, Better Business for Childminders: Food Standards Agency www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/caterers/sfbb / Food Standards Agency, including information about food hygiene and allergies: www.food.gov.uk
Health & Safety Executive, including information about risk management and RIDDOR: www.hse.gov.uk / Nursery Milk Scheme: www.nurserymilk.co.uk
Guidance on Infection Control in Schools and Other Childcare Settings: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/522337/Guidance_on_infection_control_in_schools.pdf / ‘Eat Better Start Better’ Voluntary Food and Drink Guidelines for Early Years Settings (School Food Trust): – http://cft-staging.core-clients.co.uk/childrens-food-trust/early-years/ey-resources/
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) – guidance for employers, self-employed, employees and parents: www.hmrc.gov.uk / Local Children’s Centre / Health Visiting Team: Leaflets, advice, latest guidance, e.g. family support, SIDS, breastfeeding, formula feeding, weaning, toilet training
Advice for practitioners https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-to-do-if-youre-worried-a-child-is-being-abused--2 / Ofsted inspecting Safeguarding guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inspecting-safeguarding-in-early-years-education-and-skills-from-september-2015
Whistleblowing advice line for professionals
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/report-abuse/dedicated-helplines/whistleblowing-advice-line/ / Safer sleep guidance
http://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep
Single point of advice (SPOA)
http://www.eastsussexlscb.org.uk/professionals/single-point-of-advice/ / ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) safety guidelines
http://www.rospa.com/
E-Safety Guidance and Resources
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
http://swgfl.org.uk/products-services/esafety/resources / At any one time, childminders (whether providing the childminding on domestic or non-domestic premises) may care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight.
1.  ENTRANCE / EYFS Ref / Ofsted Guidance / Comments/Action required / Date Discussed / Date Actioned /
Environment and practitioner/s create a positive and professional welcome to children, parents and visitors / 3.1 / 15
Registration certificate displayed / 3.76
Visitors record / ID checking; visitors and volunteers are monitored. Adults who have not been suitability checked do not have unsupervised access to children / 3.62 / 21
Ofsted poster for complaints/ complaints procedure displayed or actively made available to parents / 3.74-3.75
Inspection report displayed or actively made available to parents / 3.75
Appropriate insurance (e.g. public liability insurance) to cover all premises from which they provide childcare or childminding. / 3.63
Health & Safety poster on display to staff (2011 version with photos) / 3.54
Info about practitioners and management (photos, qualifications, roles and responsibilities) / 3.28; 3.73
2.  LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:
Continuous improvement / EYFS Ref / Ofsted Guidance / Comments/Action required / Date Discussed / Date Actioned /
Process in place for self-evaluation and ongoing improvement which involves the views of children, parents and staff (e.g. Ofsted SEF, Launchpad, Ofsted Early Years Evaluation Schedule, quality assurance scheme) / Ofsted Guidance
Improvement plan with clear focus, actions and timescales, monitored and evaluated regularly (e.g. every 6 weeks)
Strong leadership and communication of the improvement process with any assistants - commitment to training and implementing change / Ofsted Guidance
Staff/ management meetings, professional development and training, and associated records / 3.20-3.21
Access to training and development opportunities, cascading to assistants, putting into practice and evaluating impact / 3.20-3.21
3.  LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:
Management systems / EYFS Ref / Ofsted Guidance / Comments/Action required / Date Discussed / Date Actioned /
EYFS compulsory training completed (new childminders)
/ 3.24
Regular review carried out of EYFS Statutory Framework requirements / 3.2
Ofsted/Agency notified of significant changes/ events, including changes to premises; household members/workers over 16 years of age (submit EY2 form, obtain DBS with clearance and sign up to the update service); intention to provide overnight care (EY3 form submitted in relation to any assistants starting or leaving their role) / 3.14-3.18; 3.77-3.78
Adult:child ratios meet legal requirements and any staff are deployed appropriately / 3.28 – 3.37
Emergency cover arrangements: names, addresses and contact details – and agreement from parents / 3.9
Systems for managing the business, including record keeping and ongoing maintenance of all requirements / 3.68-3.69
Registered with HM Revenue & Customs as self-employed within 3 months of Ofsted registration
ESCC advisory: Basic skills in ICT (including emailing, word processing and internet research) and active use of an email address that can be used for communication with ESCC / N/A
Confidentiality, storage of records, ‘data in transit’ / 3.69-3.71
Data protection notification – certificate of registration or exemption
(Information Commissioners Office: 0303 123 1113) / 3.69
Policies and procedures clearly presented, dated and signed by registered provider
(See appendix for guidance on required policies) / 3.3
Policies and procedures updated and reviewed (at least once per year) / 18
Parental and staff involvement and agreement to policies and procedures
Staff given copy of key policies- Safeguarding, whistle blowing, allegations, complaints / 3.73 / 13
‘SEN and Disability information’ previously known as ‘Local offer’ describing the provision made for children with special educational needs, reviewed at least annually
https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/childrenandfamilies/specialneeds/add-your-service-to-local-offer/guidance-for-childminders/ / 3.67; SEN Code of Practice
Approved first aid qualification up to date (renewed every 3 years); qualified first aider at all times (on the premises and on outings)
Paediatric First Aid certificate accessible for inspection. / 3.25
Clear and effective communication skills in English, verbally and in writing (minimum level 2 in English) / 3.26
Complaints procedure and records / 3.74-3.75
Required permissions and agreements in place and adhered to in relation to use of the premises (including mortgage lender/landlord, council planning department) / 3.77
Reasonable adjustments to premises, facilities, equipment and access with regard to the Equality Act 2010 / 3.58
Understanding and commitment to actively promoting equality, diversity and ‘British Values’ (guidance available), reflected in any relevant policies, e.g. staff behaviour policy, equality of opportunity, ethos, anti-bullying, challenging of racist, sexist, homophobic and derogatory terms. / 15
18
Area for confidential discussions with parents / 3.61
Info from parents (updated regularly) – emergency contacts, dietary, health, legal guardians, child’s and parents’ addresses, who child lives with, child’s full name and date of birth, any contact restrictions, any other settings the child attends, any other professionals involved in supporting the child or family / 3.68; 3.72
EYEE Providers: Pupil Premium eligibility checked on child’s registration and/or when they become eligible for 3 year old EYEE and 4 year old EYEE
Parental permissions ie for use of photographs (include retention period), sun cream, routine outings / 3.64, 3.69
Identification of other settings/carers/other agencies involved with child and actively seeking partnership opportunities / 3.68
Parental engagement strategies from registration of interest, registration and induction throughout the child’s placement / 3.68
Monitoring of attendance – alert to patterns that may indicate safeguarding concerns. Promotion of good attendance, especially for children eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium.
Appropriate action taken for children who stop attending which includes notifying EYEE team / 13
18
Record of assistants’ names, addresses and contact details
Must be accessible and seen by the EYFS Improvement Officer / 3.76
4.  LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:
Managing assistants / volunteers / students / EYFS Ref / Ofsted Guidance / Comments/Action required / Date Discussed / Date Actioned /
Job descriptions/specifications current and clear / 3.20; 3.28
Staff behaviour and positive relationships between staff – clear expectations and support, reflected in any relevant policies e.g. staff behaviour policy/ code of conduct / 13
Disciplinary procedures
Induction procedures and records – e.g. handbooks, induction plans, signed checklists, monitoring and supervision / 3.20-3.22
Supervision arrangements to support continuous improvement (CPD plans) and discussion of sensitive issues, including child protection concerns. Records/minutes kept. (Advise 6 weekly) / 3.21-3.23 / 13
All practitioners able to consistently demonstrate good interpersonal skills, professional standards of behaviour and positive relationships with children, parents and other professionals
Assistants who are left in sole charge – suitability, written permission from parents, insurance, emergency contact, maintenance of ratios, maximum of two hours in any one day. / 3.24; 3.43
5.  CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING:
Induction, training and supervision / EYFS Ref / Ofsted Guidance / Comments/Action required / Date Discussed / Date Actioned /
Understanding of responsibility for dealing with child protection issues, providing advice and support to any assistants, liaising with the local authority and for working with other agencies / 3.5 / 18
Up-to-date safeguarding completed within 6 months of registration, which is refreshed every two years (ie ESCC Designated Safeguarding Leads Training for Childcare Settings). knowledge and skills should be refreshed at least annually / 3.5 / 18
Able to identify children who would benefit from earlier help or additional services to improve outcomes and to prevent them from needing social care intervention; understanding of the Single point of advice (SPOA) and the East Sussex Continuum of Need and when to refer children / LSCB Guidance
Up to date with statutory requirements and findings from serious case reviews and inspections / LSCB Guidance
All other adults who work with children undertake appropriate basic child protection training, i.e ESCC Practitioner Child Protection Training for Childcare Settings, which is kept up to date by refresher e-learning training annually. / 3.6; LSCB Guidance / 18
All new practitioners working with children, including volunteers and students, are given induction that includes:
·  Familiarisation with the child protection policy and procedures and other related policies
·  Basic child protection training that includes:
○  how to recognise signs of abuse
○  awareness of indicators of radicalisation and extremism
○  how to respond to any concerns
○  e-safety awareness, use of social media and images
○  the line of accountability in the setting for safeguarding and children’s welfare / 3.6; LSCB Guidance / 10
13
Assistants, students and volunteers are kept up to date with statutory requirements, implementation of the safeguarding policy and procedures, and findings from serious case reviews and inspections, e.g. through ‘Safeguarding’ being on the agenda at every staff meeting, discussions about hypothetical scenarios, regular checks made on knowledge of procedures. / LSCB Guidance
6.  CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING:
Recognising risks and managing referrals / EYFS Ref / Ofsted Guidance / Comments/Action required / Date Discussed / Date Actioned /
To support children’s ability to make a disclosure/ express information that raises concern: Children showing signs of fear or distress are responded to immediately. Children are supported to recognise and name their feelings / LSCB guidance / 18
Understanding of the need to make prompt referrals about safeguarding concerns to relevant agencies / 3.4-3.8 / 13
Where a child has been referred, maintain contact with the professional who referred the child for 2yr funding or who is leading the child protection plan. / 18
Clear about the circumstances in which concerns need to be passed on; how to recognise signs of abuse and how to recognise indicators of possible radicalisation or extremism (see ‘The Prevent Duty: Departmental Advice for Schools and Childcare Providers’)