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Friday 5 September 2008
devon.gov.uk
This guide has been compiled by the Registration & Inspection Support Team of the Devon Early Years & Childcare Service, Devon County Council, to offer advice and information to childcare providers who do not need to register with Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education).
The aim is to support the provision of quality in affordable, accessible, sustainable childcare from 0-14 years (16 for those with Special Educational Needs) in every neighbourhood.
An Ofsted registered day care provision needs to adhere to the Ofsted National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.
If you were registered under Ofsted this is what you would need to comply with.
Our guide is based on these standards and these have been individually highlighted throughout this document.
Although you may not need to register you must inform Ofsted about your planned day care provision.
Please contact Devon County Council on telephone 0800 056 36 66 for a copy of the Exemption from Registration form – completed forms should be sent to Ofsted Early Years, 2nd Floor, 1 Temple Quay, Temple Way, Bristol, BS1 6HB.
When does Ofsted registration apply to me?
Childminding
Looking after by a person (other than by a parent, relative, person with parental responsibility or foster parent) of one or more children under the age of 8, on domestic premises, and for a total of more than 2 hours in any day, for reward.
Crèches
- Facilities providing occasional care for under 8s in particular premises for more than 5 days a year.
- Crèches need to be registered where they operate for more than 2 hours a day, even where individual children attend for shorter periods.
NB. Some crèches are in permanent premises and care for children while parents are e.g. shopping; others are established on a temporary basis to care for children while parents are involved in a time-limited activity such as a conference.
Full Day Care
Facilities that provide day care for children aged under 8 for a continuous period of 4 hours or more in any day in non-domestic premises e.g. day nurseries and children’s centres and some family centres.
Out of School Care
- Facilities which provide day care for children under 8 and operate in one or more of the following:
Before school, After school, During school holidays
- Total care provided is for more than 2 hours in any day and for more than 5 days a year.
Sessional Care
- Facilities that look after children aged under 8 for a session which is less than a continuous period of 4 hours in any day, non-domestic premises, e.g. playgroups.
- Where 2 sessions are offered in any 1 day, individual children must not attend more than 5 sessions a week and there must be a break of at least 1 hour between sessions with no children in the care of the provider.
It is advisable to have in place an Action Plan which could include Health & Safety, Risk Assessment and Policies.
The Devon Early Years & Childcare Service encourages all individuals working in the day care provision to obtain CRB checks if possible.
It is advisable to hold a set of Records, Policies and Procedures.
The Devon Early Years and Childcare Service produces guidances on policies, recruitment and procedures for day care settings in Devon registered under Ofsted. Please telephone 08000 56 36 66 for a free copy.
What are policies and procedures?
A policy is more than just a written document and should be individual to your setting as a working document. It should be one that everyone who works within the setting understands, is responsible for and works together to put into practice.
A policy is to help outline a commitment to staff training and explain how information and expertise is shared within the group. This information can be updated when the policies are reviewed, which should be on an annual basis.
A procedure is a set of guidelines which outline the strategy to be used in particular circumstances, e.g. accidents, emergencies, incidents.
They are put in place to give staff, parents and children confidence that there are known procedures which enable every eventuality to be dealt with quickly, safely and correctly.
An aim should be a clear statement about what your policy is seeking to achieve.
Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.
We strongly advise that you collect references and take up CRB checks on employing a childcare worker in your day care provision.
Consider your adult:child ratios, provide training opportunities and organise space and resources to meet the children’s needs effectively.
You may wish to follow Ofsted’s guidelines regarding staffing ratios. The minimum staffing ratios for Ofsted registered providers are:
1:3 Children under 2 years
1:4 Children aged 2 years
1:8 Children aged 3-7 years
You may wish to put in place an Operational Plan. The Devon Early Years and Childcare Service has put together a guide for Ofsted registered providers, which you might find useful for your day care provision. Should you wish to receive a free copy, contact 08000 56 36 66 or follow this link.
It is advisable to have a policy stating the procedures if you find that a child is missing. The following could be included:
Policy for Late / Uncollected Children
You may wish to put in place a policy for late / uncollected children.
Factors you may wish to include could be:
Policy for Staff / Volunteer Information
All staff should have an induction and be given an opportunity for training; a free copy of the Workforce Development Directory is available to you, contact telephone 01392 38 53 97.
Information is also available on our Training website.
STANDARD 3 : CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY
You need to meet the children’s individual needs and promote their welfare. You should plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children’s emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.
STANDARD 4 : PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
The premises should be safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. You need adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.
Indoor play space as recommended by Ofsted is:
| Square Metres | Age |
| 3.5 m² | Under 2 years |
| 2.5 m² | 2 years |
| 2.3 m² | 3-7 years |
Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.
A list of scrapstores and toy libraries can be found by following this link.
Take positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensure proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.
You should conduct a risk assessment on the premises. A free copy of the Health and Safety Executive ‘Five steps to Risk Assessment’ is available on tel 08701 54 55 00 or the Health and Safety Executive website. An action plan with timescales identifies action to be taken to minimise identified risks.
Ensure gas, electrical and other appliances and fittings conform to safety requirements and do not pose a hazard to children.
Ensure that there are operational procedures for the safe conduct of any outings provided. Records should be kept about vehicles in which children are transported, including insurance details and a list of named drivers. Drivers using their own transport should have adequate insurance cover.
You should have in place a Fire Routine.
Example Fire Routine for Group Day Care Premises
If you discover a fire
1) Immediately raise the alarm;
2) If in charge of children, pass their care to the nearest member of staff;
3) Tackle the fire if possible with the appliances provided, but WITHOUT TAKING PERSONAL RISK;
4) Leave the building, assisting with the evacuation of the children.
On hearing the fire alarm
5) (Nominated Person) will call the Fire Service immediately;
6) Dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service;
7) Wait for the Fire Service to answer;
8) Give the full address clearly;
9) Evacuate the children in your care by using the nearest available exit and KEEP THE CHILDREN TOGETHER;
10) Proceed to the assembly point at ……….;
11) The Person in Charge will take a roll call to ensure that no-one has been left in the building.
DO NOT stop to collect personal belongings
DO NOT re-enter the building until told to do so by the Fire Service
End
Taken from: Fire Safety Leaflet No 26A
Rev 300103
Devon Fire and Rescue Service
Promote the good health of children and take positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.
You need a clear policy on the administration and storage of medication. You should keep a separate medical book.
You will need to keep a First Aid Box. It is strongly advisable to have regular paediatric First Aid training for at least one member of staff. There are many providers of suitable courses across the county including Adult Community Learning Centres (ACLs), Play Networks, SureStart and private providers.
You will need a separate Accident book.
Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.
Fresh drinking water should be available to children at all times and packed lunches should be stored in a cool place.
STANDARD 9 & 10 : EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES & SPECIAL NEEDS
You should actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children. You should be aware that some children may have special needs and therefore you should be proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to your provision. Steps should be taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.
zero14plus are committed to the principle of inclusion.
We believe that all children and young people have the right to play and receive education in their local community if this is what parents or carers want and where the child’s individual needs can be met. We fully support equal opportunities as a right for all and this applies regardless of gender, sexual orientation, health, social class or employment status.
zero14plus appreciate that people are at different stages of awareness about inclusion and equal opportunities and how it can be guaranteed. Training is provided and details can be found in the zero14plus training directory or online at www.devon.gov.uk/zero14plus, following the Training link. Further information is available from the zero14plus Inclusion Officer on 01392 38 53 94 and the zero14plus Inclusive Play Co-ordinator (Out of School) on 01392 38 65 57.
Adults caring for children in the provision should be able to manage a wide range of children’s behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.
The Devon Early Years and Childcare Service provides training courses on Behaviour management. Details can be found in the Workforce Development Directory, contact telephone 01392 38 53 97.
STANDARD 12 – WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS
You should work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.
Information given to parents should include basic written information about the setting; eg the admissions policy, hours, contact information, staffing, routines, etc.
Staff should be aware of the need to maintain privacy and confidentiality. Confidential information should be locked away.
Regular information should be provided for parents about activities provided for the children, eg through wall displays, photographs and examples of children’s work.
Children are only released from the care of the day care provision to individuals named by the parent.
Admission Policy
Aim to ensure that the day care provision is accessible through fair and clear procedures.
It is very important that parents or carers sign the registration form. The following information should be included:
STANDARD 13 : CHILD PROTECTION
You should comply with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensure that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.
We strongly recommend that staff attend child protection training.
CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES
Focus
The following policy statement procedures need to be in place in order to protect the children, parents and carers.
The Welfare, Safety and Protection of Children are Paramount
Where the registered person and staff recognise their responsibilities towards those in their care, they will be aware of their individual roles and understand the procedures they must follow if they suspect abuse or neglect.
Policy Statement on Child Protection
All those who come into contact with children and families in their everyday work, including people who do not have a specific role in relation to child protection, have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
Within the day care provision, the prime responsibility is seen as protecting the safety and well-being of all children in care.
The staffing arrangements, which are in place and enable all staff to meet these responsibilities, form part of the statement. It also sets out the principles underlining the procedures the provision follows, if the provision has reason to believe any child in care is subject to either emotional, physical or sexual abuse or neglect.
The provision has a duty to the children, parents and staff to act quickly and responsibly in any instance that comes to their attention, including the reporting of suspicions around abuse, to the Local Authority. The Children Act 2004 places a duty on Local Authorities to investigate such matters. As such the day care provision will follow procedures set out in the guidance provided by the Devon Local Children's Safeguarding Board and will follow their advice and guidance on any action necessary.
Other Staff
All staff including students on placements and volunteers, working within the day care provision have the opportunity to listen carefully to what children say and observe any changes in their appearance or behaviour which may result from abuse or neglect.
Arrangements for the Protection of Children at the Day Care Provision
All visitors must sign in a Visitors’ Book. This should include the following information:
No adults, other than staff should ever be left unattended with the children.
Any person visiting the day care provision in an official capacity, not previously known to staff, are required to provide proof of identity.
Collection of Children
No child is ever allowed to leave the day care provision with an adult who is not the normal collector of the child without prior permission being obtained.
Procedures Following Suspected Child Abuse when Abuse is suspected Outside the Day Care Provision
These procedures will immediately come into action if any child attending the provision is suspected of being the victim of physical, sexual or emotional abuse or persistent/severe neglect outside the provision. Please refer to the flow chart on page 10 in the doument 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused'.
The staff member expressing concern will discuss the situation immediately with the manager/supervisor. That person will lead an immediate and thorough investigation.
Depending on the initial findings, some or all of the following steps should be taken:
Written Report
As a result of the suspected abuse a comprehensive, confidential report will be compiled. It will include:
Procedures following Suspected Child Abuse when Abuse is Suspected within the Day Care Provision
If an allegation is made against a member of staff, which could be by a parent or colleague, an immediate and thorough investigation should be conducted by the manager/supervisor in conjunction with the child’s parents.
Written Report
As a result of the allegation a comprehensive, confidential report should be compiled and circulated to the parents and other interested parties. It should include:
Protection of Staff from Allegations of Abuse
Staff in the day care provision are privileged to be able to work closely with children and their families, forming warm and caring relationships. However, because of the nature of their work staff are also vulnerable to allegations of child abuse.
By having appropriate policies and procedures in place and following the principles of good practice the day care provision not only protects the children in their setting, but also the adults. For their part staff need to avoid putting themselves in situations that may lead to allegations being made against them.
Additional Guidance for Staff
(Compiled from Information Supplied in the Devon County Council Publication “Child Protection – What can I do?” and information provided by the Department of Health Publication “What to Do if You’re Worried a Child is Being Abused”)
What is Child Abuse?
There are many different types of child abuse and many ways in which abuse can occur. It can happen to children at any stage of development from birth until they are able to act independently. In law, young people are children up to the age of 18 years.
There are four main categories of abuse and children may suffer from more than one type at a time:
Physical abuse: Where a child is physically hurt, injured or killed. This is non-accidental, deliberately inflicted and can involve hitting, shaking, squeezing, burning and biting. It also includes giving a child poisonous substances, inappropriate drugs and alcohol, and attempted suffocation or drowning. In some cases excessive force may be used when feeding or changing a child’s nappy.
Sexual abuse: Where children (girls and boys) are sexually abused by adults or other children who use them to meet their own sexual needs. This might be sexual intercourse, and also includes fondling, masturbation, oral sex, and intercourse and exposing children to pornographic material – including videos.
Neglect: Where parents or carers persistently fail to meet the basic and essential needs of their children, to have food, clothes, warmth and medical care. Leaving children alone and unsupervised is also an example of neglect. Parents refusing to give love and affection to their children is an example of emotional neglect.
Emotional abuse: Where constant lack of love and affections, or threats, verbal threats, taunting and shouting can lead to loss of confidence and self-esteem, making a child become nervous and withdrawn.
What might make you worry or give you cause for concern?
Do you recognise any or some of the following in the child?
The Parents
The child’s parents could well be trying to attract attention to themselves by an initial cry for help.
In instances of abuse, both the child and parents need help. Some parents are very relieved to know that their problem has been recognised. Others, unfortunately, may deny that a problem exists or become elusive if they feel they are under suspicion.
What do I do?
Remember that children are vulnerable individuals who do not always communicate their anxieties or concerns in ‘usual ways’. This is particularly important if a child has special needs or disabilities.
If you suspect abuse:
| DO | DON’T |
| Tell the Manager / Supervisor. | Examine the child. |
| Realise that your concerns could be significant and should be passed on. | Ask leading questions. |
If a child tells you something has happened:
| DO | DON’T |
| Allow the child to do the talking. | Postpone or delay the opportunity to listen. |
| Remain calm and caring. | Allow your own feelings (such as anger, pity or shock) to surface. |
| Allow the child to finish. | Make false promises (that you will keep ‘the secret’ for example). |
| Record the conversation as soon as possible afterwards (it could be helpful to use the child’s own words where possible.) | Interpret what you have been told, just record it. |
| Refer to the Manager / Supervisor. |
Confidentiality
Confidentiality raises problems for anyone working with situations involving Child Protection and every effort is made by all concerned to handle information discreetly.
However, if the provision makes an allegation about a child who may be at risk, Devon Social Services must ensure that a thorough investigation into the child’s situation takes place at once. In exceptional circumstances the evidence of an individual may be required in a court of law.
The name of any person expressing concern can be kept confidential, but parents/carers may find out the identity of the source of the referral from the information supplied.
Some parents/carers may be very angry about the intervention but, if there is a conflict of interests, the need to protect the child must always come first.
We understand the pressure that all staff work under during the session, but in appreciating this we do not want you to take short cuts and think that it won’t matter this once. It does matter. Protecting the children from injury or abuse always matters.
This guide has been put together by the Devon Early Years and Childcare Service, Devon County Council.
Should you have any queries or would like to receive a hard copy of the above please contact 08000 56 36 66.
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