Ofsted Childcare Register Improvement Audit:
Management, Safeguarding and Welfare
Group settings
Setting name:Ofsted URN:
Date audit started:
Setting representative(s) for audit:
Name and email address of registered provider:
Early Years Support and Intervention Officer:
Age group cared for: / Opening hours:
Layout of premises (attach floor plan if available, or give brief description):
Other relevant information:
This audit has been based upon the Requirements of the compulsory part of the Ofsted Childcare Register and Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance. It is the responsibility of the childcare provider to ensure that all legal requirements are fully met. Childcare providers are expected to regularly review the Childcare Register Requirements as part of ongoing monitoring and improvement of practice. If the setting is also registered on the Early Years Register the Requirements of the EYFS will need to be observed. The advice offered at the time of this audit has been based upon the information made available by the childcare provider.
Guidance for completion:
In order to complete this audit it is essential to refer to the Requirements of the Ofsted Childcare Register to ensure that the legal requirements are thoroughly understood and met. The “CCR Ref’ column gives the relevant numbered Requirements of the Childcare register and whether applicable to the Compulsory, Voluntary or both parts. Items with no corresponding reference are recommended as good practice.
The ‘Ofsted Guidance’ relates to Inspecting Safeguarding in early years, education and skills setting and corresponding paragraph numbers
The ‘Comments/Action required’ column should be used to record:
- any practice that is notably strong;
- any action required to meet requirements (these should be highlighted in bold/colour and transferred to an improvement plan)
- any advice provided to strengthen practice (this should also be highlighted in bold/colour and transferred to an improvement plan)
Sources of support and further information: (for direct access to web links, press ‘Ctrl’ while you left-click)
Accessed? / Accessed?East Sussex County Council c-zone pages;
/ Early Years Improvement Team Facebook Page;
The Prevent Duty: Advice for Schools and Childcare Providers (protecting children from radicalisation and extremism): / East Sussex Training Directory: Accessed through learning portal;
Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) guidelines, including Continuum of Need:
Pan Sussex Procedures for Child Protection and Safeguarding:
/ Safeguarding children and Prevent e-learning courses;
Ofsted inspecting Safeguarding guidance
/ Safer Recruitment Training
Advice for practitioners / Disclosure and Barring Service, including information about suitability checks and making referrals:
Safer Food, Better Business: Food Standards Agency / Food Standards Agency, including information about food hygiene and allergies:
Health & Safety Executive, including information about risk management and RIDDOR: / Ofsted website and email updates (sign up):
Guidance on Infection Control in Schools and Other Childcare Settings: / ‘Eat Better Start Better’ Voluntary Food and Drink Guidelines for Early Years Settings (School Food Trust): –
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) – guidance for employers, self-employed, employees and parents: / Local Children’s Centre / Health Visiting Team: Leaflets, advice, latest guidance, e.g. family support, SIDS, breastfeeding, formula feeding, weaning, toilet training
Whistleblowing advice line for professionals
/ Single point of advice (SPOA)
ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)safety guidelines
/ E-Safety Guidance and Resources
Online safety Launchpad Module 5 available on czone
ENTRANCE / OCR Ref / Part of
Register / Date discussed / Comments/Action required / Date Actioned
Environment and practitioner/s create a positive and professional welcome to children, parents, staff and visitors
Ofsted Guidance 15
Registration certificate displayed / CR15.1
Info about practitioners and management (photos, qualifications, roles and responsibilities) – clear management structure including committee
Visitors record / ID checking; visitors and volunteers are introduced to all practitioners and are monitored (consider visitor badges). Adults who have not been suitability checked do not have unsupervised access to children
Ofsted Guidance 21 / CR1.1
CR2.1
CR2.3 / Both
Both
Both
Ofsted poster for complaints/ complaints procedure / CR7.1
CR7.2
CR7.3
CR7.4
CR7.5
CR7.6
CR9.1 / Both
Both
Both
Both
Both
Both
Both
Inspection report displayed or available to parents
Health & Safety poster on display to staff (2011 version with photos)
Appropriate insurance (e.g. public liability insurance) to cover all premises from which they provide childcare or childminding. / CR14.1 / Both
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:
Continuous improvement / OCR Ref / Part of
Register / Date discussed / Comments/Action required / Date Actioned
Process in place for self-evaluation and ongoing improvement which involves the views of children, parents and staff (e.g. quality assurance scheme)
Improvement plan with clear focus, actions and timescales, monitored and evaluated regularly (e.g. every 6 weeks / through staff meetings)
Strong leadership and communication of the improvement process with active involvement of the registered provider - commitment to training and implementing change
Ofsted Guidance
Staff/ management/ committee meetings, professional development and training, and associated records
Access to training and development opportunities, cascading to staff and management team, putting into practice and evaluating impact / CR4.1 / Both
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:
Management systems / OCR Ref / Part of
Register / Date discussed / Comments/Action required / Date Actioned
Regular review carried out of CCR requirements
Ofsted notified of significant changes/ events, including changes to the registered provider members via EY3 and EY2 forms.
Where the ‘registered provider’ is an organisation or committee, records must be easily accessible and seen by the Early Years Support and Intervention Officer, for each individual who is part of the registered body:
- Name, address and contact details
- DBS/CRB number and date (Including signing up to update service)
- Date/confirmation that EY2 form has been submitted
CR11
CR12.1
CR12.2
CR12.3 / Both
Both
Both
Both
Both
Ofsted notified of any changes to individuals who make up the organisation, nominated persons, managers. / CR12.2 / Both
Systems for managing the business, including record keeping and ongoing maintenance of all requirements
Effective communication systems between the registered provider and management, with clearly delegated roles and responsibilities for meeting requirements
ESCC advisory: Basic skills in ICT (including emailing, word processing and internet research) and active use of an email address that can be used for communication with ESCC or Health
Ensure email passwords and access codes are shared as applicable especially when key staff leave the setting
Confidentiality, storage of records, ‘data in transit’ / CR8 / Both
Data protection notification
(Information Commissioners Office 0303 123 1113)
Policies and procedures clearly presented, dated and signed by registered provider
See appendix for guidance on recommended policies / CR2.1CR7.1
CR9.1 / Both
Both
Both
Policies and procedures updated and reviewed (at least once per year)
Ofsted Guidance 18
Parental and staff involvement and understanding of policies and procedures
Staff given copy of key policies- Safeguarding, Whistle blowing, allegations, complaints- Ofsted Guidance 13 / CR9.1 / Both
Qualifications requirements to meet ratios for those working directly with the children – a summary record of qualifications/compulsory training available at all times on site. / CR4.2 / VCR
Adult:child ratios meet legal requirements and staff are deployed appropriately – contingency arrangements in place / CR1.7
CR1.12 / Both
CCR
‘SEN and Disability information’ previously known as ‘Local offer’ describing the provision made for children with special educational needs, reviewed at least annually
/ SEN Code of Practice
Record of staff names, addresses and contact details held on site at all times / CR8 / Both
Named deputy who is capable and qualified to take charge in manager’s absence
Qualified first aider at all times (on the premises and on outings) – approved training / CR1.3 / Both
Managers and practitioners have clear and effective communication skills in English, verbally and in writing (minimum level 2 in English) / CR3.2 / CCR
Complaints procedure and records / CR7.1
CR7.2
CR7.3
CR7.4
CR7.5
CR7.6 / Both
Both
Both
Both
Both
Both
Required permissions and agreements in place and adhered to in relation to use of the premises
Reasonable adjustments to premises, facilities, equipment and access with regard to the Equality Act 2010
Management understanding and commitment to actively promoting equality, diversity and ‘British Values’ (guidance available), reflected in any relevant policies, e.g. staff behaviour policy, equality of opportunity, ethos, anti-bullying, challenging of racist, sexist, homophobic and derogatory terms.
Ofsted Guidance 15 & 18
Area for confidential discussions with staff/parents, and an area for staff to take breaks away from the children
Info from parents (updated regularly) – emergency contacts, dietary, health, legal guardians, child’s and parents’ addresses, who child lives with, child’s full name and date of birth, religion, any contact restrictions, any other settings the child attends, any other professionals involved in supporting the child or family / CR8 / Both
Parental permissions ie for use of photographs, sun cream, outings
Identification of other settings/carers/other agencies involved with child and actively seeking partnership opportunities
Parental engagement strategies from registration of interest, registration and induction throughout the child’s placement / CR9.1 / Both
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:
Managing staff / OCR Ref / Part of Register / Date discussed / Comments/Action required / Date Actioned
Job descriptions/specifications current and clear / CR1.1-1.7
CR2.5-2.8 / Both
CCR
Disciplinary procedures
Induction procedures and records – e.g. handbooks, induction plans, signed checklists, monitoring and supervision (including students and volunteers) / CR2.1 / Both
Supervision arrangements to support practitioners’ continuous improvement (CPD plans) and discussion of sensitive issues including child protection concerns, led by manager and registered provider. Records/minutes kept. (Advise 6 weekly)
Ofsted Guidance 13
System for ensuring play workers have the necessary skills, experience and support to fulfil their role / CR4.1 / CCR
All practitioners able to consistently demonstrate good interpersonal skills, professional standards of behaviour and positive relationships with children, parents and other professionals / CR1.4
CR1.5
CR1.9
CR4.1 / Both
Both
Both
CCR
CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING:
Designated lead person / OCR Ref / Part of
Register / Date discussed / Comments/Action required / Date Actioned
There is a designated person to take lead responsibility for dealing with child protection issues, providing advice and support to other staff, liaising with the local authority and for working with other agencies
Ofsted Guidance 13 / CR1.1
CR2.7
CR2.8 / Both
CCR
CCR
The designated lead is of sufficient seniority to be able to commit resources to child protection matters and direct staff / CR1.1
CR2.5
CR2.7 / Both
CCR
CCR
A deputy lead person for safeguarding is available to act in the safeguarding lead’s absence. / LSCB Guidance
CR1.1 / Both
The designated lead for safeguarding has a job description that clearly defines their roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
Ofsted Guidance 18 / LSCB Guidance
CR1.1 / Both
The supervision process includes effective scrutiny and challenge of the safeguarding lead’s work by their manager / LSCB Guidance
CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING:
Induction, training and supervision / OCR Ref / Part of Register / Date discussed / Comments/Action required / Date Actioned
The lead person for safeguarding and the deputy have up-to-date safeguarding training every two years (ie ESCC Designated Safeguarding Leads Training for Childcare Settings) and their knowledge and skills should be refreshed at least annually
Ofsted Guidance 18 / CR1.1
CR2.6 / Both
CCR
All other staff members who work with children undertake appropriate basic child protection training, i.e ESCC Practitioner Child Protection Training for Childcare Settings, which is kept up to date by refresher e-learning training annually.
Ofsted Guidance 18 / LSCB Guidance
All new practitioners working with children, including volunteers and students, are given induction that includes:
- Familiarisation with the child protection policy and procedures and other related policies
- Basic child protection training that includes:
○awareness of indicators of radicalisation and extremism
○how to respond to any concerns
○e-safety awareness, use of social media and images
○the line of accountability in the setting for safeguarding and children’s welfare
Ofsted Guidance 10 & 13 / LSCB Guidance
CR1.1
CR1.2
CR2.1
CR2.3
CR2.4 / Both
Both
Both
Both
CCR
Practitioners are able to identify children who would benefit from earlier help or additional services to improve outcomes and to prevent them from needing social care intervention; staff receive training and guidance on Single point of advice (SPOA) and the East Sussex Continuum of Need and when to refer children / LSCB Guidance
CR1.1 / Both
Records are kept of which staff members within the setting have received induction and basic child protection training, including refresher training
Ofsted Guidance 15 / LSCB Guidance
CR4.1 / CCR
Additional training (both single- and multi-agency) is available for staff working with children and young people appropriate to their role
Ofsted Guidance 18 / CR4.1 / CCR
Staff members are kept up to date with statutory requirements and findings from serious case reviews and inspections, e.g. through ‘Safeguarding’ being on the agenda at every staff meeting / LSCB Guidance
CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING:
Recognising risks and managing referrals / OCR Ref / Part of
Register / Date discussed / Comments/Action required / Date Actioned
The safeguarding lead makes prompt referrals about safeguarding concerns to relevant agencies
Ofsted Guidance 13 / CR2.8
CR13 / CCR
Both
Practitioners are clear about the circumstances in which concerns need to be passed on to the setting’s safeguarding lead; training and guidance for staff cover how to recognise signs of abuse, and how to recognise indicators of possible radicalisation or extremism (see ‘The Prevent Duty: Departmental Advice for Schools and Childcare Providers’)
Practitioners have a copy and understand the policy for Safeguarding including allegations.
Ofsted Guidance 13 & 18 / CR1.2
CR2.1
CR2.4
CR2.7 / Both
Both
CCR
CCR
Recording and monitoring of existing injuries
The safeguarding lead person oversees all records to ensure they are factual, accurate and made on the same day that the concern is raised.
All records are signed and dated by referrer and safeguarding lead
Ofsted Guidance 30 / LSCB Guidance
The recording system is in line with East Sussex LSCB guidance - Keeping Records of Child Protection and Welfare Concerns: Guidance for Early Years Settings, Schools and Colleges(2017). The safeguarding lead person oversees all records to ensure they are factual, accurate and made on the same day that the concern is raised
/ LSCB Guidance
The setting supports multi-agency working to safeguard children by regular attendance by the safeguarding lead at child protection conferences and reviews, core group meetings and other professional meetings, where appropriate
Ofsted Guidance 29 / LSCB Guidance
CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING:
Safer recruitment and allegations management / OCR Ref / Part of Register / Date discussed / Comments/Action required / Date Actioned
The setting has a recruitment and selection policy that complies with national and local guidance. The policy statement is linked to the child protection policy and incorporates an explicit statement about the setting’s commitment to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This statement is included in recruitment and selection material e.g job adverts, application forms, interview content
Ofsted Guidance Annex 1 / LSCB Guidance
CR2.1
CR2.3
CR3.1 / Both
Both
Both
Staff involved in recruitment are suitably trained, eg at least one member on the short listing/interview panel must have completed safer recruitment training (Certificate to evidence this)
Ofsted Guidance Annex 1 / LSCB Guidance
Robust recruitment and vetting procedures are in place to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children. Vetting is carried out for all people over 16 years, working directly with children (including volunteers and students) or living or working on the premises
Ofsted Guidance 13, 25 & 26 / CR2.3
CR3.1
CR1.12 / Both
Both
CCR
Before new members of staff/volunteers/students commence employment or placement, the following is completed:
- Since September 2012 an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure (update service recommended)
- Before September 2012, an enhanced CRB disclosure
- Where the applicant has lived/worked overseas, further overseas checks are made:
- Full name, address and contact details
- CRB/DBS clearance number and date
CR3.1 / Both
Both
DBS checks are refreshed for people who move to jobs within the setting that involves greater access to children or greater responsibility or there has been a break between leaving the old job and taking up a new job in the setting (new clearance or DBS updating service)Including a volunteer becoming a permanent staff member. / LSCB & DBS Guidance
CR2.3 / Both
Checks are carried out to confirm legal right to work in the UK:
Ofsted Guidance 13
References are obtained by the setting, directly from the referee rather than through the applicant
Ofsted Guidance 13 / CR2.1
CR2.3
CR3.1 / Both
Both
Both
All applicants sign a declaration that they are not disqualified from working with children and that they are not living in the same household as someone who is disqualified from working with children. This declaration is refreshed at regular intervals, e.g. at least once per year
Ofsted Guidance 25 / LSCB Guidance
CR2.3
CR3.1 / Both
Both
Records are maintained detailing checks carried out for employees, including identity and qualification checks, disclosure checks (DBS or CRB) and references. Records are reviewed regularly by the safeguarding lead for accuracy and completeness