Please can someone clarify for me - do I need to show Ofsted completed contracts and permission forms or is it enough to show them blank ones so you show them what you use? I've had one inspection since starting minding and I showed filled in ones but my colleagues have said I shouldn't as it's a breach of confidentiality??

Can someone clarify please. I was going to put a file together with sample forms - contracts, child record forms, permissions etc - would this be ok?

Thanks

they need to see that you have permissions etc. signed. Otherwise you could have just printed off samples and never been b othered actually giving them parents. As with everything they need written evidence. Our word isn't good enough!
So, show completed forms

OK thanks. I was going to set out one of my children's files - with a note of written permission for the parent to sign to say I can show Ofsted. Is that ok?

Actually that's not true, you are expected to explain what your policies and permissions are to parents and assistants, but OFSTED do NOT necessarily expect to see written documents of these.

Ofsted have a legal right to inspect all documents relating to childminding at any time :D

Ofsted have a legal right to inspect all documents relating to childminding at any time :D

Apart from anything do do with your accounts, charges etc. All they have a right to ask for is evidence that you are registered with the Inland Revenue.

Ofsted have a legal right to inspect all documents relating to childminding at any time :D

Absolutely 100% incorrect.......... Who told you this?

Apart from anything do do with your accounts, charges etc. All they have a right to ask for is evidence that you are registered with the Inland Revenue.

Yes of course Ricky you are right - my apologies I was rushing.

However the Inland Revenue have a right to check your accounts.

And of course Environmental Health have a right to enter at any time and check the kitchen and your related paperwork.

:D

Absolutely 100% incorrect.......... Who told you this?

I think perhaps you might be best speaking to Ofsted. :D

I've never shown (nor been asked to) any inspector anything to do with accounts or contracts.

Miffy xx

Absolutely 100% incorrect.......... Who told you this?

I think you may find this is not the correct advise. They have the right to inspect us at any time and unanounced if they deem this is what is needed.

They may inspect us against anything that we have a Satautory Obligation to do as set out in the EYFS documents. That includes the keeping of specific records with reguard to the children you care for which Ofsted can check and should be able to check because it envolves keeping children safe.

I would check the advise you have been given.

Yes of course Ricky you are right - my apologies I was rushing.

However the Inland Revenue have a right to check your accounts.

And of course Environmental Health have a right to enter at any time and check the kitchen and your related paperwork.

:D


Absolutely!

OK thanks. I was going to set out one of my children's files - with a note of written permission for the parent to sign to say I can show Ofsted. Is that ok?

I personally would not put out the childrens personal files which have contracts etc in. If you have completed your SEF the Inspector will know where they are kept and if they can't easily access them they will ask you if they want to see them.

The last time I was inspected the inspector just asked me were I kept the documents wanting to know they were locked in order to keep them safe. She could see from other documents that I had all the relevant info. You fill in details of address and emergency contacts in the front section of the NCMA Attendance register if you use it.

I also keep a mini photo album which I have in my pocket when I go out. It has emergency contacts, signed medical permissions and a mini copy of all my permissions signed by the parents. She didn't therefore need to see the Contracts.

Actually that's not true, you are expected to explain what your policies and permissions are to parents and assistants, but OFSTED do NOT necessarily expect to see written documents of these.

You are quite right, Policies, Risk Assessments, Planning do not have to be written down. We must have a signed Permissions document though. However unfortunately you do have to demonstrate to Ofsted during the time (av 2-4hrs) of your inspection that you are carrying out all these things and how you make sure the parents and your assisstants if you have them are informed about them. (Refer to Page 23-25 Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare of Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework and look at the 'Musts')


Most of us find that although years ago common sense prevailed, these days with so many Polices, I cut mine to the min and I still have a 7 page Policy Document, it would be difficult to convey without writting it down.

I know that with most parents and the best will in the world it would be impossible for me to know that they had understood the Policies if I only conveyed the info verbally and this in my business might and probably would result in misunderstandings.

Actually that's not true, you are expected to explain what your policies and permissions are to parents and assistants, but OFSTED do NOT necessarily expect to see written documents of these.

You must by law have certain policies and procedures if you have children in your provision who are on the Childcare Register.

Please see this thread for more information -

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

I would also point you to the Ofsted Inspector's Handbook which states on page 64...

Childminders do not need written policies and procedures 'Unless the childminder is registered on the compulsory and/or voluntary part of the Childcare Register, then the policies and procedures should be in writing.'

As the vast majority of childminders are on both the Early Years and Childcare Registers P & Ps obviously must be written.

However even taking this information into consideration if you were inspected and found to be working without the statutory P & Ps written down - especially safeguarding - your Ofsted grading would suffer as a result.

Document 100155 from Ofsted also clears up any misunderstandings about not writing risk assessments.

I hope this clarifies Ofsted's position. :D

You must by law have certain policies and procedures if you have children in your provision who are on the Childcare Register.

Please see this thread for more information -

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

I would also point you to the Ofsted Inspector's Handbook which states on page 64...

Childminders do not need written policies and procedures 'Unless the childminder is registered on the compulsory and/or voluntary part of the Childcare Register, then the policies and procedures should be in writing.'

As the vast majority of childminders are on both the Early Years and Childcare Registers P & Ps obviously must be written.

However even taking this information into consideration if you were inspected and found to be working without the statutory P & Ps written down - especially safeguarding - your Ofsted grading would suffer as a result.

Document 100155 from Ofsted also clears up any misunderstandings about not writing risk assessments.

I hope this clarifies Ofsted's position. :D


Well pointed out Sarah I always forget the differences in this respect because I have everything in writing anyway. It is always useful to have gentle reminders though.

When we had our last inspection we put all the non confidential stuff, policies, risk assesments etc out on the table. We explained that contracts, permissions etc were in the locked filing cabinet if they wished to see and to just ask if they would like to see. Well they didn't so I'm assuming they were happy with all they saw and didn't feel it necessary to delve :D

Thanks everyone - I was last inspected pre-EYFS and I'm never sure what I should and shouldn't have out!

Lots to think about!

do contracts etc really need to be locked in a cupboard?

i have mine in the office on a shelf. Each child has a big foldar with all of their contracts, permissions etc in and a little folder as a daily diary.

do contracts etc really need to be locked in a cupboard?

i have mine in the office on a shelf. Each child has a big foldar with all of their contracts, permissions etc in and a little folder as a daily diary.

Yes they are suposed to so no one who shouldn't can't access them because they are confidential documents.

i guess i will have to go shopping for a new filing cupboard then!

I thought that since the only people who use the office are my hubby ( also registered) and i, it would be ok

I have a small box file with a lock on it was much cheaper than a cabinet and sufficient. My inspector looked at contracts to check if i had noted parental responsibility.