Safeguarding Children in Education
Meeting the EYFS 2017 safeguarding and welfare requirements
Helping to achieve best practice in safeguarding children in Derbyshire;
This audit tool is available free to all Early Years settings in Derbyshire. (Schools with EYFS children will find an addendum in the School’spolicy which includes all additional aspects of EYFS safeguarding/welfare requirements).
We recommend that you complete an audit at least annually, but an audit can be undertaken and reviewed at any time.
This audit tool enables you to:
- Assess your Safeguarding practice, identify any gaps, and move on to address any outstanding issues.
- Link to documents where you can obtain further guidance and information.
- Ensure that key people within the setting (including the management committee, if relevant) are aware of how the setting is working to safeguard children and their responsibilities.
- Assemble your evidence of ‘Impact of practice’ for your self-evaluation and any Ofsted inspection. …………………………..
In best practice, the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) /manager (NB a childminder is the DSL) and designated link safeguarding committee member would, if appropriate,work on this audit together. It must be signed by the appropriate person/s to confirm that the person/s is/are aware of the information/details as recorded and they agree.
Name …………………………………………. Date ……………………………… Position …………………………………….
Name …………………………………………. Date ……………………………… Position…………………………………….
Setting: / Ofsted registration number:Address: / Audit Date
Tick appropriate box / Yes / No
The setting has a designated safeguarding lead (DSL):
Name:
The settinghas a designated safeguarding lead available at all times whilst the setting is open and in any event that they are not available there is a contingency plan (such as a deputy DSL, who has appropriate training).
The setting has a nominated link safeguarding committee member:
Name:
The setting is aware & has access to the Derbyshire Safeguarding Children’s Board (DSCB) website including access to the safeguarding procedures and up to date information.
The designated safeguarding lead knows how to access current on-line Derbyshire children’s services guidance and procedures on the Derbyshire Schoolsnet website to assist in the job of safeguarding within the setting.
The setting has a safeguarding file containing all relevant up to date safeguarding documentation: (Policies, audit, action plan etc.)
- Safeguarding policy template:- sole worker, group care (written procedures are also a requirement of the childcare register)
- Audit Tool - signs of successful safeguarding
- Other relevant procedures such as a lock down policy and fire evacuation policy
Tick appropriate box / Yes / No
DSL /refresher training is maintained in line with the recommendations of the latestpublication of“ Inspecting safeguarding in early years, education and skills’ and/or ‘Keeping children safe in education’ every two years and knowledge refreshed annually and shared with staff.
Enter date of most recent DSL training undertaken:
DSL in the setting has undertaken Prevent/WRAP training.
Enter date training undertaken date:
All staff have regular updates (at least annually) on safeguarding including the prevent duty and are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse, who to report this to and who to report concerns or allegations about a member of staff (or anyone living on the premises, in the case of childminders).
Enter most recent date:
Nominated staff have received up to datepaediatric first aid training (PFA)(newly qualified staff also hold appropriate qualifications).
Enter names of nominated PFA staff and dates:
In group care, there is/are nominated staff who have received food hygiene training, which is kept up to date. All relevant staff are competent in preparing and handling food.
Enter names and dates:
There is anup to date medicines policy in the setting and appropriate first aid kits available (including first aidkits suitable for outings, car journeys and/or school pickups) which are regularly checked and monitored to meet compliance.
Date checked
This part of the audit below has been compiled using the EYFSstatutory requirements2017 and thelatest publication of “Inspecting safeguarding in early years, education and skills”(NB written in italics in the audit)
Practitioners also need to be aware of the following latest publications (NB this is not a definitive list):
- What to do if you are worried a child is being abused – advice for practitioners
- Working together to safeguard children
- Prevent duty guidance
- Disqualification under the Childcare Act
- Amending the childcare disqualification arrangements in schools and non-domestic registered settings
For further information/guidance to support your practicesee documents A-Z
- Child Protection – safeguarding & welfare requirements p. 16-18
Item / Area of Practice See A-child protection
See model child protection policy- sole worker/group care/staff / Met / Not Met / Evidence of how this is met i.e. policy
1 / Providers must have and implement a policy and procedures to safeguard children. These should be in line with the guidance and procedures of the relevant local safeguarding children board (LSCB). (3.4)
2 / The policy and procedures must include an explanation of the action to be taken in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff. (3.4)
Allegations against a member of staff, childminder, assistant or family member living on the premises or by association (on domestic premises only).
3 / The policy and procedures must include the use of mobile phones and cameras in the setting. (3.4)
4 / There is a named designated safeguarding Lead (DSL) within the setting who is responsible for keeping appropriate paperwork and liaising with local statutory children's services agencies, and with LSCB.
They must provide support, advice and guidance to any other staff on an ongoing basis and on any specific safeguarding issue as required. (3.5)
5 / The named DSL has accessed an advanced level of safeguarding training. (3.5) (LA advice).
5a / When the setting is in operation the DSL or an appropriately trained deputy should be available for staff to discuss safeguarding concerns. (para 18 p11)
6 / All members of staff understand the child protection policy and procedures. (3.6)
7 / All members of staff have accessed child protection training and keep up to date by attending training regularly. All members of staff can recognise and know how to respond appropriately to signs and symptoms of child abuse. (3.6)
7a / Designated members of staff should undertake safeguarding training every 2 years and their knowledge and skills should be refreshed at regular intervals, but at least annually (para 18 p11).
8 / Practitioners must be aware of signs of possible abuse including where a girl may have been subjected to (or is at risk of) female genital mutilation. (3.6)
9 / All members of staff are have up to date knowledge of safeguarding issues (3.6) (Including knowledge of the local Safeguarding board/partnership DSCB procedures)
10 / Providers must have regard to the latest edition of government's statutory guidance “Working together to safeguard children” (3.7).
11 / Providers must have regard to the ‘Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales 2015’ (3.7).
11a / There is a clear approach to implementing the prevent duty and keeping children and learners safe from the dangers of radicalisation and extremism (para 18 p11).
12 / All schools are required to have regard to the government’s latest edition of “Keeping children safe in education” statutory guidance and other childcare providers may also find it helpful to refer to this guidance. (3.7).
13 / If providers have concerns about children's safety or welfare they must notify agencies with statutory responsibilities without delay. This means the local children's social care services and, in emergencies, the police. (3.7)
14 / The setting informs Ofsted of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by any person living, working, or looking after children at the premises (whether the allegations relate to harm or abuse committed on the premises or elsewhere).
The setting notifies Ofsted of the action taken in respect of allegations of serious harm or abuse as soon as is reasonably practicable, but at the latest within 14 days of the allegations being made (3.8).
14a / Practitioners must be aware of child protection for children with SEND (para 11 and 18 p5-6 and p10).
14b / The setting child protection policy must address the issue that children are capable of abusing their peers (para 18 p10).
14c / Settings are required to have appropriate filters and monitoring systems in place to protect children from harmful online material (para 18 p12).
2. Suitable people – safeguarding & welfare requirements p. 18-19
Item / Area of PracticeSee A-Child protection document
See B - Suitable Person
See C - Disqualification / Met / Not Met / Evidence of how this is met
15 / The setting has effective systems in place to ensure that practitioners and those who have regular contact with children are suitable to fulfil the requirements of their roles. (3.9)
The provider makes decisions of suitability using a robust recruitment policy (see ongoing suitability–item 17) which will include evidence from:
-DBS checks - References - Full employment history
-Qualifications - Interview - Identity checks
- Medical suitability - Disqualification by association
(On domestic premises)
16 / The manager obtains enhanced criminal records checks and barred list checks (DBS) in respect of every person aged 16 or over who works/lives on the premises.
Additional checks are necessary where members of staff have lived or worked abroad. (3.10)
New owners,voluntary management committee (VMC) members, managers, a childminder,childminder assistants or anyone (16 years or older) living on the premises where childcare takes place,must have suitability checks (DBS) and are strongly advised to register on the update service via the Ofsted portal (see DBS guidance link on additional materials sheet B).
EY2 - Declaration and consent form for all individuals connected with a registered provision inc:committee members, partners, directors, the nominated person, a childminding assistant(not the registered childminder) or if you are the applicant for registration on the Childcare Register. See Ofsted EY2 form for further details
EY3 – Notification to Ofsted - changes to names, addresses and any start or leave dates See Ofsted EY3 form for further details.
Childminders - Ofsted must also be aware of everyone living or working on the premises, including new babies or if anyone leaves or moves in (anyone over 16 must have suitability checks carried out via a DBS check andsubmit an EY2 form to Ofsted).
Group care settings - must organise appropriate suitability checks of their staff via an approved DBS checking organisation and are strongly advised to register on the update service.
17 / The provider makes every effort to ensure the on-going suitability of staff. (3.11).
Where an employee has subscribed to the online DBS service providers should check the status of the disclosure and if there are any changes to their circumstances which would preclude them from working with children at least on an annual basis. Where changes are disclosed a new check should be applied for with the person’s consent.
18 / The provider does not allow those whose suitability has not been checked to have unsupervised access to the children being cared for. (3.11)
19 / The provider keeps a record of the information they have used to access the suitability of staff. These records include the unique reference numbers of DBS, the date a disclosure was obtained and the details of who obtained it. (3.12)
NB Records must be kept securely on site, unless formal agreement has been given by Ofsted. (See 3.69)
20 / The setting meets its responsibilities under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 which includes a duty to make a referral to the DBS where a member of staff is dismissed (or would have been, had the person not left the setting first) because they have harmed a child or put a child at risk of harm. As per section 35 of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (3.13).
3. Suitable people: Disqualification (all registered providers) – safeguarding & welfare requirements
p. 19-20
Item / Area of PracticeSee B - Suitable Person
See C - Disqualification / Met / Not Met / Evidence of how this is met
21 / Where an employer becomes aware of relevant information which may lead to disqualification of an employee, the employer must take appropriate action to ensure the safety of children (3.14).
22 / Where a person is disqualified, the provider must not employthat person in connection with early years provision. (3.14)A provider or a childcare worker on domestic premises may also be disqualified because they live in the same household as another person who is disqualified or because they live in the same household where a disqualified person is employed. If a provider or childcare worker on domestic premises is disqualified they may, in some circumstances, be able to obtain a “waiver” from Ofsted. (3.15)
23 / A provider must notify Ofsted of any significant event that is likely to affect the suitability of any person who is in regular contact with children on the premises where childcare is provided. (3.16) N.B. this includes events which may occur outside of the setting including social media.
24 / The provider must inform Ofsted of any court order, determination or conviction or
other grounds for disqualification from registration applying to themselves or any other person working on the premises (as per section 75 of the Childcare Act 2006) (3.17).
25 / The information must be provided to Ofsted as soon as reasonably practicable, but at the latest within 14 days of the date the setting became aware of the information or ought reasonably to have become aware of it if they had made reasonable enquiries. (3.18).
4. Suitable people: Staff taking medication/other substances – safeguarding & welfare requirements
p. 20
Item / Area of PracticeSee D - Staff taking medication/other substances
See model child protection policy- staff behaviour section / Met / Not Met / Evidence of how this is met
26 / Practitioners must not be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance which may affect their ability to care for children (3.19).
27 / The setting ensures that those practitioners taking medication which may affect their ability to care for children,only work directly with children if medical advice confirms that the medication is unlikely to impair that staff member’s ability to look after children properly (3.19).
28 / Staff medication on the premises is securely stored, and out of reach of children, at all times (3.19).
5. Staff qualifications, training, support and skills – safeguarding & welfare requirements p. 21-22
Item / Area of Practiceincludes policies and procedures relating to recruitment, induction supervision, training, health and safety and emergency evacuation, lock down and safeguarding procedures etc.See E- Staff Qualification
See G - Ratios (Preschools and Nurseries)
See H - Ratios (Out of school care)
See I - Ratios (Childminders)
See model child protection policy / Met / Not Met / Evidence of how this is met
29 / Induction training is provided for all staff to help them understand their roles and responsibilities. Induction training includes information about emergency evacuation procedures, safeguarding, child protection, and health and safety issues. (3.20). (This should also include relevant statutory requirements such as the Equality Act 2010 and other key policies and procedures of the setting).
30 / The setting must support staff to undertake appropriate training and professional development opportunities to ensure they offer quality learning and development experiences for children that continually improves. (3.20).
31 / Providers must put appropriate arrangements in place for supervision of staff who have contact with children and families.
Supervision fosters a culture of mutual support, teamwork and continuous improvement which encourages the confidential discussion of sensitive issues.(3.21)
Supervision provides opportunities for staff to:
• discuss any issues – particularly concerning children’s development or well-being
• identify solutions to address issues as they arise
• receive coaching to improve personal effectiveness (3.22)
32 / All supervisors/managers must hold a full & relevant level 3 qualification as defined by the Teaching Agency in group settings (3.23)
NB Out of school care – caring for reception children and older -it is also for the provider to determine what qualification, if any, the manager and or staff should have (3.40).
Childminders - must be able to evidence they understand how to implement the requirements of the EYFS before they can register with Ofsted (or a childminder agency). The General Childcare Register which requires childminders to have undertaken common core skills or hold a level 2 qualification or above in a relevant qualification.(3.24)
33 / Group care -Half of all other staff must hold a full and relevant level 2 qualification as defined by the Teaching Agency. (3.23)
34 / Group care - The manager has at least 2 years’ experience of working in an early years setting, or 2 years other suitable experience. (3.23)
35 / There is a named deputy who is capable and qualified to take charge in the manager’s absence. (3.23)
36 / At least one person who has a current paediatric first aid certificate is on the premises at all times when children are present, and accompanies children on outings. (3.25)
37 / Paediatric first aid must be relevant for workers caring for young children and, where relevant,babies. (3.25)
38 / All staff have sufficient understanding and use of English to ensure the well-being of children in their care. (3.26)
6. Key Person – safeguarding & welfare requirements p.22-23
Item / Area of PracticeSee F- Key Person / Met / Not
Met / Evidence of how this is met
39 / Each child is assigned a key person who helps ensure that every child’s care is tailored to meet their individual needs. (3.27)
40 / Each Key Person helps the child become familiar with the setting, offer a settled relationship for the child and build a relationship with their parents. (3.27)
7. Staff: Child Ratios – safeguarding & welfare requirements p. 23-26
Item / Area of PracticeSee G - Ratios (Preschools and Nurseries)
See H - Ratios (Out of school care)
See I – Ratios (Childminders) / Met / Not
Met / Evidence of how this is met
41 / Staffing arrangements must meet the needs of all children and ensure their safety.
Providers must ensure that children are adequately supervised and decide how to deploy staff to ensure children’s needs are met (3.28).
42 / Providers must inform parents and/or carers about staff deployment, and when relevant and practical, aim to involve them in these decisions (3.28).
43 / Children must usually be within sight and hearing of staff and always within sight or hearing. (3.28)
44 / Staff / volunteers / students under the age of 17 do not count towards the ratio and are supervised at all times. Students on long term placements and volunteers (aged 17 or over) and staff working as apprentices in early education (aged 16 or over) may be included in ratio if the setting is satisfied that they are competent and responsible (3.29).
45 / The ratio and qualification requirements apply to the total number of staff available to work directly with children. (Ofsted may determine that providers must observe a higher staff: child ratio than outlined below to ensure the safety and welfare of children.)
Exceptionally, and where the quality of care and safety and security of children is maintained, exceptions to the ratios may be made. (3.30)
For group settings providing overnight care, the relevant ratios continue to apply and at least one member of staff must be awake at all times. (3.30)
46 / The provider meets the requirements for adult-child ratios (see p23-26 of Statutory Framework 2017)
Early years providers (other than childminders)
Note specifically for Children under 2:
- At least half of all staff to have received specific training in the care of babies
- Where there is an under two-year-olds’ room, the room leader must have suitable experience of working with under twos (3.31).
8. Before/after school care and holiday provision - safeguarding & welfare requirements p26