Childcare Development Team

Welfare Requirements Update

The new framework gives greater flexibility for providers to use their professional judgement

The inspector will take more time to observe practices including joint observations with the manager or Early Years Professional

Inspections will look at different groups of children and how the setting supports them and identifies and meet their needs e.g boys, EAL etc

Less focus on paperwork and more on interactions with children

Inspections

The inspection reportHas changed :–

New front page summary

Recommendations for good practice and/or actions and/or enforcement action where legal requirements are not met – not yet outstanding etc

There will still be an optional on-line self-evaluation form, this has been revised - it is shorter and aligns with the new judgements

Text will be automatically moved from your present on-line SEF form to the new one

Self-evaluation

The standard response to any information received regarding a concern will usually be an inspection

Ofsted will assess whether the information they receive is: routine minor incomplete

Minor concerns will be referred back to providers and will be checked at the next inspection. Other concerns will trigger a full inspection

An inspection will be carried out within 30 working days or 5

days if it is a priority A full inspection report will be published

Dealing with concerns

Conditions of Registration

There are no longer conditions of registration

It is the setting’s responsibility to know how many children can be cared for whilst taking account of the statutory regulations

Conditions of Registration for Childcare on non domestic and domestic premises

When deciding on the maximum numbers of children they may take, group providers must take into account:

The space they have available and how they organise it ( EYFS paragraph 3.56)

The adult to child ratios (EYFS paragraphs 3.27 – 3.38)

The children’s needs, including any identified additional needs that may require higher ratios

Staff qualifications, experience and how they are deployed

Activities provided and whether these need additional adult support or specific qualifications

Available space

This has not changed - providers must still meet the original indoor space requirements (EYFS paragraphs 3.56)

However, you will need to show how you have calculated the numbers of children you may care for according to the available space requirements.

Calculations should be based on room sizes deducting space needed for furniture and equipment, including fixed storage. Do not include doorways, corridors, bathrooms etc

Ratios

The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), paragraphs 3.27 to 3.41 sets out the staffing arrangements for group care.

The ratios apply to the total number of staff available to work directly with children across the provision and not within individual spaces or rooms.

Ratios

Providers must make decisions about the numbers of children and staff in each area When considering staff deployment, providers should take into account:

the available space, staff experience and qualifications level of supervision required the individual care needs of childrenthe support children need to participate in

activitiestimes children may need additional support

The framework now states that premises and equipment must be kept clean

Premises

Child Protection

The safeguarding policy and procedures must cover the use of mobile phones and cameras in the setting

Safeguarding lead practitioners must attend a child protection training course that enables them to identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of possible abuse and neglect

Child Protection

All staff must be trained to understand their safeguarding policy and procedures, and providers/managers must ensure that all staff have up to date knowledge of safeguarding issues.

The framework now describes adult’s behaviour that may cause concern e.g inappropriate sexual comments; excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their usual role and responsibilities; or inappropriate sharing of images

Supervision A requirement has been introduced in relation to staff supervision

Appropriate arrangements must be in place for the supervision of staff who have contact with children and families.

Supervision should provide opportunities for staff to:

discuss any issues – particularly concerning children’s development or well-being;

identify solutions to address issues as they arise; and receive coaching to improve their personal effectiveness.

Risk Assessments

There must be a clear and well-understood policy, and procedures, for assessing any risks to children’s safety, and risk assessments must be reviewed regularly.

Practitioners are able to now make a decision whether it is helpful to have written risk assessments

Parental Partnership

The new framework requires settings to work in close partnerships with parents/carers.

There are many examples where the emphasis has been increased from should (considered good practice) to must (a requirement) e.g

Systems must enable a regular two-way flow of information with parents and/or carers, and between providers, if a child is attending more than one setting.

Major emphasis on the role of the key person

Each child must be assigned a key person

parents and/or carers must be informed of the name and role of the key person when a child starts attending a setting.

The key person must: help ensure that every child’s learning

and care is tailored to meet their individual needs.

seek to engage and support parents and/or carers in guiding their child’s development at home.

Key Person

Competency in English

Staff must have a sufficient understanding and use of English to ensure the well-being of children in their care.

Food and drink

There must be an area which is adequately equipped to provide healthy meals, snacks and drinks for children as necessary

In group provision, all staff involved in preparing and handling food must receive training in food hygiene.

Preferred form of communication - electronic

Ofsted will now be communicating by email , whenever possible .

Providers can request hard copy forms from The National Business Unit

All Ofsted publications and guidance are published on, and can be downloaded from, www.ofsted.gov.uk.

Summary

Greater flexibility for providers to use their professional judgement

Many elements of framework are now mandatory – ‘should to must’

Less focus on paperwork and more on interactions with children

Joint observations at inspection New shorter, simpler SEF The standard response to a concern will be

a full inspection

Summary There will be no conditions of registration –

providers need to ensure they meet regulations The safeguarding policy and procedures must

cover the use of mobile phones and cameras in the setting

Strong emphasis on supervision Risk assessments do not always need to be

written Major emphasis on the role of the key person Providers must ensure that staff have sufficient

understanding and use of English All staff involved in preparing and handling food

must receive training in food hygiene

Any questions?please see

Toni, Theresa or Fiona in the break