IDEAS FOR YOUR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES - UPDATED 01.2013

[angeldelight]

I have had a few messages over the last few weeks asking where certain policies go etc and how confusing some of you are finding it now we have the new requirements.

Thought this might help - it’s only guidance and you may not want to include everything or you might think of other things to include.

The Every Child Matters outcomes a lot of childminders used to use are not relevant any more so you might need to find a new way of setting them out.

You can link your Policies and Procedures to the requirements of the EYFS or put them in alphabetical order. However it makes most sense to you.

It is up to YOU

Hope it helps those of you who are struggling though ..............

NEW INFORMATION - OFSTED JAN 2013

We now have a list of the policies and procedures which are required by Ofsted.

It is detailed in Ofsted factsheet 120412 (dated Jan 2013) -

Ofsted | Factsheet: childcare - Records, policies and notification requirements of the Early Years Register.

THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT - the factsheet says the same as the EYFS 2012 - childminder policies and procedures do not need to be in writing but must be explained to parents, assistants and Ofsted on request.

However, a footnote at the bottom of page 4 of the factsheet states - ‘Unless the childminder is registered on the Childcare Register. For this register the policies and procedures should be in writing.’

The majority of childminders are registered on both the Early Years (EYFS) and Childcare Registers and must comply with the requirements of BOTH registers. You can check your Ofsted registration by looking up your URN number on the Ofsted website.

The list of policies and procedures required by Ofsted (in alphabetical order) includes -
• Behaviour management - this is the best place to talk about how you record physical intervention
• Concerns and complaints procedure - this procedure MUST be shared with parents if the child is on the Childcare Register
• Emergency evacuation of the premises
• Equality of opportunity - for the Childcare Register it must include information about how you support children with learning difficulties and disabilities
• Failure to collect - often called a ‘Late Arriving Parent’ procedure
• Health and safety - relating to accidents, hazards and faulty equipment
• Medication administration - - for the Childcare Register it must include details about how you support individual children with medical needs - see Ofsted factsheet for more info (doc 080290)
• Missing child - your procedures if you lose a child
• Risk assessment - see Ofsted RA factsheet for more information (doc 120334)
• Safeguarding children - - for the Childcare Register it must include the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff. For the EYFS 2012 it must include information about mobile phone and camera use. This procedure MUST be shared with parents if the child is on the Childcare Register
• Smoking
• Visitors - checking the identity of visitors

You must take note of the wording in the EYFS 2012, the Childcare Register 2012 and any factsheets and further information produced by Ofsted when writing your policies and procedures. You might also be given support by your Local Authority especially regarding safeguarding - ask them for further advice and information.

Note - it is important that these policies and procedures are read and understood by parents - Ofsted might ask parents to discuss them during your inspection.

.........................................

For the Childcare Register you MUST inform parents about -
• Your registration on the voluntary part of the Register
• Other childminders or places they can send their child if you are ill

.........................................

Other Policies and Procedures you MIGHT want to write because they are mentioned in the EYFS 2012 include -
• Accident and injury
• Working in partnership with parents and other settings

.........................................

To help you in your working relationship with parents you MIGHT want to write more Policies and Procedures to share information about -
• Admissions
• Alcohol and drugs
• Anti-bullying
• Care, learning and play
• Childminder sickness
• Confidentiality
• Dental hygiene
• Departure
• Dropping off and collection
• E-safety
• Fees including information about late payment
• Head lice
• Healthy eating
• Hygiene
• Language development / English as an additional language
• Large garden equipment
• Nappy / toilet training
• Observation
• Over 8s
• Overnight care
• Pets
• Safety on outings
• Sand pit
• Settling in
• Sick children
• Sleeping babies and children
• Sun protection
• Swimming pool
• Television / video games / computer use
• Trampoline
• Transporting children in a car

.........................................

Permission forms you MUST write include -
• Administering medication
• Outings
• Leaving assistants alone with children

.........................................

Permission forms you MIGHT want to write include -
• Sun cream
• Dental Hygiene
• Photographs
• Large garden equipment
• Trampoline
• Swimming pool
• Crèche

.........................................

Other information you MUST share with parents includes -
• How the EYFS is being delivered in the setting
• How parents can access more information - for example, via the DfE website
• The range and type of activities and experiences provided for children
• Your daily routines
• How parents and carers can share learning at home
• How you support children with special educational needs and disabilities
• Food and drinks provided for children - a copy of your menu for example
• Staffing details
• The name of their child’s key person and their role
• A telephone number for parents and/or carers to contact in an emergency.

.........................................

Other information that MIGHT be useful to show new parents includes -
• Details and photographs of the range of toys provided
• Details of local toddler groups / stay and plays attended
• How you record the child's development through the Early Years Foundation Stage
• 5 a day chart
• Childhood immunisations list from the Health visitor
• Details of how to safely make up bottles
• Notifiable diseases list
• Leaflets and booklets from the Health Protection Agency
• List of things they need to bring
• NSPCC information
• House / garden rules
• Parents questionnaires
• Parents poster from Ofsted
• Copies of newsletters
• Samples of contact books / diaries
• Certificate of registration
• Ofsted inspection report
• Physical intervention report form sample
• CRB disclosures - thesee are now called DBS checks (from Dec 2012)
• Childminding insurance certificate / car insurance
• Invoice sample
• Attendance record sheet
• Individual needs / care plan
• Accident / injury report form sample
• Contracts
• Child record forms / All about Me
• Certificates of qualifications and training attended
• Copy of the EYFS 2012
• ‘Know How’ guide to the 2 year progress check
• Copy of the Childcare Register 2012 - Ofsted | Factsheet: childcare - Requirements for the Childcare Register: childminders and home childcarers - this has been updated!!

ANGEL AND SARAH

[anneriddington]

Thanks Angel, you are certainly living up to your name, I have been meaning to sort my policies under the 5 titles you have halped me loads.

[huggableshelly]

giggles she maybe an ANGEL doing this for us all but a DEVIL on other boards!!


Ty Angel i think mine are set up as you have suggested but going to check over the wkend, good excuse to have a sort out lol.

[cherry]

Thank you Angel, something I must sort out

[FussyElmo]

Oh my goodness think I really need to get my policys dusted out and reviewed think I may need a drink too......But seriously thank you shamed to admit it dont think I would have ever thought of that!!!!!

[charleyfarley]

Thanks Angel This is on my to do list and tbh I've been putting it off

Carol xx

[grindal]

Thanks for that! I am just in the process of sorting my folders and paperwork for my very first mindee starting after Easter. You have saved me loads of time!!

[Dancingqueen]

Oh my goodness think I really need to get my policys dusted out and reviewed think I may need a drink too......But seriously thank you shamed to admit it dont think I would have ever thought of that!!!!!

Me neither, love all the help on here. xx

[Ripeberry]

Thanks Angel that is very usefull!

[breezy]

thank you Angel x

[sue]

wow thats helpful thanks

[donnadoo2004200]

Youre Great

[sonia ann]

Brilliant thank you. much more comprehensive than my current list

[jibberjitz]

Sounds like a good way to organise P&P's - need to sort out mine as not even in alphabetical order

[Demonjill]

OMG you have loads.LOL

Thanx Angel.

[Sworny1]

Hi Angel

This has been a massive help, i've got my inspection next week, loads to still to sort out. I've registered on here today to get help and it's brill. thanks agains

[Jules12Wed]

Oh my goodness I make that approx 70 policies!!!! I've only got about 12!

[angeldelight]

Oh my goodness I make that approx 70 policies!!!! I've only got about 12!

Does that mean you have to get typing now ?



Angel xx

[huggableshelly]

Oh my goodness I make that approx 70 policies!!!! I've only got about 12!

I have way too many

maybe you have combined quite a few in one!

I know I need to condense mine and working on them sorta

[geordiebunny]

thanks for this a real big help, as always this place is a godsend