Policies and procedures now statutory??

[onceinabluemoon]

A friend of mine is re-registering as a CM and today she went though her EYFS training.

She was told that as of 3 weeks ago it became a legal requirement for CMs to have written policies and procedures - something to do with 5 year olds but she couldn't remember what.

Anybody else heard of this?

[Curly Quavers]

I thought this would have been the minimum to be registered in the first place tbh.

[miffy]

No, haven't heard that - pity she can't remember exactly what was said

Miffy xx

[The Juggler]

I suspect the d.o. was slightly wrong (what's new there!) and knew that it was statutory to have policies but wasn't aware that you don't need to have them written down.

On the other hand, I suspect they might also be advising new minders of this as Ofsted are so notoriously picky and it's kind of hard to prove you have a policy which is not written down, they might have the new CM's best interests at heart if that is the case.

[miffy]

Just had a quick look on the Ofsted website, couldn't see anything new but this is the guidance (April 2009)

http://ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Forms-and-guidance/Browse-all-by/Other/General/Factsheet-childcare-Requirements-for-written-documents-childminders-delivering-the-Early-Years-Foundation-Stage-EYFS/(language)/eng-GB

Miffy xx

[sarah707]

The Ofsted inspector's handbook says that there are certain policies and procedures childminders must have IF they care for children on the childcare register (over 5s).

Now since most of us are registered for over 5s as well as children on the Eyfs, that makes the policies and procedures statutory for Eyfs as well.

I have explained the situation more fully here :D

http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=45805