Disqualification by association policy? Been told I should have one.

[acorns]

Had a pre inspection visit today from local EY advisor (I've had THE call) who happens to be ex ofsted inspector. She has said that I should have this policy. I don't employ any staff but she said it applies to all over 16 in the house. My family is not involved in childcare they just live here!! From what I've read, in school/nurseries the regulation doesn't apply to cleaners, caretakers etc so I can't understand why I should ask my husband and son to sign a declaration as surely the responsibility is mine to declare if they have been disqualified? Obs if I did employ staff I would have one.

[Simona]

She may be referring to this Ofsted publication updated in 2015 and connected to the Childcare Act 2006

https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...Feb_15__3_.pdf

[sarah707]

Information here x Childminders and staff suitability - Independent Childminders

And this thread - http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/fo...sociation.html

[acorns]

Information here x Childminders and staff suitability - Independent Childminders

And this thread - http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/fo...sociation.html

Thanks, I had seen that and it does refer to staff including family members. What I'm trying to say is that my family members are not staff yet I've been told to treat them as if they were (which they rightly object to) and record their answers to the questions. It's very OTT.

[moggy]

Sadly, local authority EY advisors, Development Officers, or whatever they are called are not always right.
They may have been an inspector or whatever, but that does not mean they know the latest rules or the specifics for CMers. You can have been an EY inspector in the past but never have dealt with a CMer.
If you are ever told anything that sounds odd to you then ask: exactly where does it say that? which piece of legislation are they referring to?- push for specifics, not just 'we were told...', or 'we are advising everyone...', ask for the legislation document in writing, a link to it or a printed document. If they can't produce one then ask where their information comes from.
Time and time again we hear of these so called advisors giving wrong or misleading advise. If you are in doubt you can also ask Ofsted, or Pacey if you are a member, or any other representing body you are a member of.

The EYFS is clear on what policies are statutory and this is not one of them.
If it was required for all family/adults in the house it would be part of our CMer registration process like ther DBS is! It is not.

[Simona]

Disqualification by association is a publication dated 2015....the EYFS was updated in 2014
I think there is a vast difference between having a policy and knowing what the regulator requires.

This publication has been in the news a lot...best be informed and know what Cms are required to do
It is an extremely complex subject...a book has even been written about it and published recently! It is called 'Barred'...look out for it.

[hulahoops]

Don't forget, we are not actually required to have written policies although it's best practice. I'm not sure if there are certain ones that need to be in writing such as safeguarding.
The most important thing is that you can demonstrate your understanding of everything

[Simona]

That is true...not all requirements need a policy.

Best advice is read the Guidance on this issue then decide what is best for your practice

As said the EYFS was updated 2014...this guidance is 2015.

If unsure ask those in the know....that ex inspector may be on the right track.