Safeguarding Self Assessment

The Early Years and Childcare Service request that all childcare providers complete a safeguarding self assessment annually in order to assist with the completion of Section 11 of Children Act 2004. The safeguarding assessment is designed to be a self evaluation tool to support providers ensure that they are meeting the Ofsted and Devon Safeguarding Children Board requirements.

Note: School-managed or governor-run provision do not need to complete this audit, as they participate in the Devon Education Services Safeguarding Audit annually during the Autumn Term.

Click here to download the Safeguarding Action Plan

• Safeguarding Self Assessments

  This safeguarding self assessment tool has been developed by the Devon Early Years and Childcare Service to support providers registered on the Early Years Register and Childcare Registers in reviewing and strengthening their safeguarding practices. It is designed to help ensure that robust arrangements are in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in all early years settings.

  The tool aligns with:

  • The 2025 Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework
  • Childcare registration requirements.
  • Guidance from the Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership (Devon SCP).

  By completing this self assessment, providers will be supported to:

  • Meet the requirements of Section 11 of the Children Act (2004)
  • Confirm the strength of their safeguarding culture, knowledge, and practice
  • Identify areas for reflection and development
  • Ensure compliance with Ofsted safeguarding expectations
  • Prepare confidently for Ofsted inspections

  In group-based settings, it is the responsibility of the Responsible Body (e.g., owner, director, or management committee) and Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) to ensure that all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities. We strongly recommend that this tool is completed collaboratively to promote shared understanding and accountability.

  This is an opportunity to reflect on:

  • Your team’s safeguarding knowledge and practice
  • The effectiveness of your policies, procedures, and systems
  • The depth and consistency of your safeguarding culture

  To gain a clear and accurate picture of your setting’s safeguarding arrangements, we encourage you to:

  • Engage with your team to assess their understanding
  • Review policies, procedures, and systems
  • Ensure all staff training is up to date and meets statutory requirements
  • Check compliance with the specific Ofsted register(s) your setting is on

  Please use the Notes/Reflection sections at the end of each part of the tool to capture insights and actions.

  Important: This tool is not an exhaustive checklist of all safeguarding and welfare requirements under the EYFS or Childcare Register. We recommend referring to the relevant statutory guidance as you complete the audit:

  • Early Years Register: Must comply fully with the EYFS statutory framework, especially Section 3 and relevant annexes;
  • Childcare Register (Compulsory/Voluntary): Must comply with the Childcare Register Requirements.

  Once completed, your Early Years and Childcare Adviser (EYCA) will receive a copy and follow up on any areas identified. Please don’t hesitate to contact your EYCA if:

  • You need support or advice while completing the tool
  • You’d like your EYCA to complete it with you
  • You need guidance on any safeguarding topics
  • You wish to arrange safeguarding training for a larger group

  Please click the appropriate link below to access the correct version of the self assessment tool for your provision type:

  • Private, Voluntary, Independent Group-Based Provider or Childcare on Domestic Premises Group Based & Childcare on Domestic Premises  – Early Years and Childcare Safeguarding Self Assessment Tool 2025
  • Childminder – including those without domestic premises Childminders – Early Years and Childcare Safeguarding Self Assessment Tool 2025 – Childminders

  Note: School-managed or governor-run provision do not need to complete this audit, as they participate in the Devon Education Services Safeguarding Audit annually during the Autumn Term.

  If you have any questions, please contact your Early Years and Childcare Adviser (EYCA).

• About Section 11 audits

  While everyone shares a responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, Section 11 of the Children Act 2004 places a statutory duty on a number of key agencies and organisations to:

  Ensure that their functions are discharged with regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children

  The Section 11 duty means that the key people and bodies must make arrangements to ensure two things:

  • that their functions are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children
  • that the services they contract out (commission) to others are provided having regard to that need.

  The duty does not give agencies any new functions, nor does it override their existing functions. Rather, it requires them to carry out their existing functions in a way which takes into account the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

• Who Section 11 audits apply to

  Section 11 audit applies to the following agencies:

  • local authorities
  • district councils
  • health bodies
  • the police (including the British Transport Police)
  • probation and prison services
  • youth justice service
  • secure training centres
  • private and voluntary organisations who are commissioned or contracted to provide services on behalf of the bodies listed above.

  Other providers and agencies have commensurate duties under separate legislation:

  • Early years providers have a duty under Section 40 of the Childcare Act 2006 to take necessary steps to safeguard and promote the welfare of young children
  • These self audit forms are not compatible for use on tablets. You need to use a desktop or laptop PC.
  • Action plan to accompany self audit tool
• Further information
  • If you are unsure which safeguarding training you need to attend please see our handy safeguarding training guides.
  • For advice on providing a safe environment for early years and childcare provision please refer to further information for childcare providers.
  • Further advice about safer recruitment can be found in our Staffing Matters document on the Recruitment pages.