Childcare Standards and
Regulations
CONSULTATION PAPER
Launch date 9 June 2003
Respond by 18 July 2003
Ref: DfES/0906/2003
Review of Childcare
Standards and Regulations
This short consultation will cover changes to the national standards for under
8s childcare, and details of how childcare provision in schools will be
registered and inspected, together with associated regulations which are
intended to come into force in September 2003.
SURE START
Department for Education and Skills and
Department for Work and Pensions
1
Review of Childcare Standards and Regulations
A Consultation
To
Childminders
Group providers
Independent Schools
Local Authorities/EYDCPs
Maintained Schools
National Bodies Parents
Issued
9 June 2003
Enquiries to
Dearbhala Giffin or Michelle Nathan 020 7273 5695
childcarestandardsandregs.Consultation@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
Email
1 INTRODUCTION
2
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
1 . 1 Plans to improve the regulation of childcare are contained within this
consultation document. These reforms are designed to ensure high standards for
protection of children, simplified procedures for providers and more consistency in
the regulation of all types of childcare.
1 . 2 This paper focuses on short term measures that would help create this
improved system. The short term changes are planned for September 2003 and
include minor alterations to the national childcare standards and associated
secondary legislation. The proposed changes to the national standards are
contained in section 3 below.
1 . 3 Another September 2003 change proposed in section 4 of this paper relates
to the regulation of childcare facilities in independent and maintained schools. The
aim is to ensure that children using childcare facilities provided directly by schools
are benefiting from the same minimum standards as those in other settings. The
aim is also to treat maintained and independent schools in a similar way as far as
the regulation of their childcare facilities is concerned, and in a way that balances
the benefits and costs. A separate regulatory impact assessment is available for
comment.
1 . 4 The timetable for consultation reflects the fact that there has been
consultation with the sector already on the key aspects of the proposed changes,
and that most of the changes to the detailed wording of the draft regulations and
other documents are for simplification and clarification.
1.5
There will be further consultation on other aspects of the national standards,
and on other regulations and longer term issues, later in the year. These are
likely to include:
How to extend the home childcare scheme and implement arrangements
for approving the suitability of over 7s childcare providers- both measures
that will widen access to the childcare element of the new Working Tax
credit.
3
How to introduce further streamlining of the standards. For example, we
are considering reducing the number of headline standards to avoid
overlap, and reducing the number of childcare categories for which
different criteria are specified so that the emphasis can be on what
children experience rather than the type of provider;
How to simplify the regulatory procedures. We are continuing to examine
with Ofsted ways of making the registration and inspection process more
streamlined;
How our ambition to promote a more qualified workforce might be
assisted through changes to the national standards and other aspects of
the regulatory arrangements. We are not proposing to change the
qualifications or staffing ratios requirements in the short term but are
looking at a wide range of developments for the future;

What more can be done to safeguard children in different forms of
childcare. We are working on revisions to the regulations on
disqualification and are also considering whether to introduce regulations
which would enable Ofsted to disclose certain information about
complaints to third parties. We are also looking at a number of proposals
that have been made in response to concerns about the way in which
parents can hire nannies without access to proper checks; and
We are looking at how new forms of multi-disciplinary provision, for
example in children’s centres, might be inspected in future.
1.6
There is a separate questionnaire for you to complete and return. this will
enable you to give your response on the various questions, and there is space for
further comments. please use the space for further comments to give any views on
the detailed documentation.
4
2B background and context
B A C K G R O U N D
A N D
C O N T E X T
2 . 1 In the summer of 2001 Ofsted took over from local authorities in England,
the responsibility for regulating childcare under the Children Act 1989. The National
Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding were introduced in
September 2001 and represent a set of minimum standards below which no
childcare provider should fall. The National Standards have been generally well
received in the sector and bring greater consistency to the regulation of childcare
across the country. There are concerns about some aspects of the standards,
however, and in our planned review this year we are addressing these.
2 . 2 Some of the concerns relate to the way the current standards are being
applied. Any new system and new standards need time to bed down. It is taking
time to achieve a consistent approach across the country on every issue. We are
not therefore proposing any changes to the headline standards at this stage, and
believe that it would be counter-productive to make substantive changes to the
associated criteria in the short term.
2.3
Nevertheless, we have identified some possible changes to the criteria and
other aspects of childcare regulation that we plan to introduce from september
2003 and these are outlined in sections 3 and 4 below. the annex sets out a list of
all the proposed changes to the standards documents. we have also prepared draft
regulations and these are also enclosed for comment.
5
PROPOSALS FOR CHANGES TO THE NATIONAL
STANDARDS
3 -proposals for changes to the NATIONAL STANDARDS
3 1 Added flexibility in applying the criteria. There are 14 standards with
supporting criteria for each. These criteria vary between five categories of
childcare. Most providers will be clear into which of the five categories their setting
falls, and therefore which criteria apply. There are circumstances, however, where
a particular setting displays characteristics of more than one category. In these
cases we are proposing that Ofsted, taking into account what would be in the best
interests of the children, will not only advise the provider which category of
childcare is being used for registration but also whether they are having regard to
different criteria in making their assessment of compliance with the standards.
3.1
For example, although a setting operating for 41/2 hours is treated as full
day care, there may be full day care criteria which are not appropriate because the
setting is operating for a period only just over the limit for sessional care. Another
example might be a home playgroup where, although registered as childminding
because it operates on domestic premises, it would be appropriate to apply certain
criteria from the group day care categories.
3.3
Do you agree that the criteria should be applied flexibly where
provision does not readily match one of the five categories of childcare, as
outlined in paragraph 3.1?
3.4
Childminding standards and criteria. There has already been an
announcement about the Government’s intention to bring the criteria for
childminders more into line with the criteria for other forms of childcare in the
following three ways.
3.5 The current ratio requirements restrict a childminder from caring for more than
one child under 12 months, although exceptions can be made for siblings. This has
caused problems in some cases, for example, where childminders have
specialised in the care of babies and can manage to care for more than one child
under one, perhaps with fewer children than the overall ratio allows. We recognise
that in certain circumstances, particularly where the childminder has suitable
training or experience,
6
it would be helpful if there was a greater element of flexibility. We are therefore
intending to change the criteria so that childminders in these circumstances can
look after two children under the age of one.
3.6
Currently all childcare settings with the exception of childminders must have
a no smoking policy. We are now intending to revise the criteria to say that
childminders should never smoke in the presence of minded children.
3.7Smacking is currently banned in all childcare settings, including childminding,
except where both the childminder and the parent have an agreement that
smacking can be used as a punishment. We intend to change the criteria to make
it clear that it is not acceptable in any circumstances for childminders to use
corporal punishment or the threat of corporal punishment, in recognition that most
childminders want to be seen as professionals on an equal footing as childcare
workers in other day care settings. We further propose to incorporate this ban on
corporal punishment in regulations so that it has statutory force in the same way as
in schools.
3.8
Please let us have your views on the changes to the childminding
criteria outlined in paragraphs 3.4–3.7.
3.9
First aid requirements. There have been questions as to what constitutes
an appropriate first aid course for people working with young children and babies,
and some specific cases that have suggested certain aspects of training which
should be covered. The criteria currently refer to the Health and Safety at Work
Act, but this is designed to cover employers’ responsibilities towards their
employees, not towards the children in their care. We propose to issue further
guidance to local authorities, who have responsibility for advising providers and in
some circumstances providing first aid training, and to amend the criteria to clarify
that first aid training should be in accordance with that guidance.
3.10 We have also been asked for clarification on what should be contained in a
first aid box. We propose to address that in guidance as well.
3.11 Do you agree with the approach to first aid as outlined in paragraphs
3.9 and 3.10?
7
3.12 Planning permission and fire safety requirements. Procedures for
obtaining advice on planning requirements, and on seeking planning permission,
vary from one local authority to another. Normally childminders do not need
planning permission, but there may be some circumstances in which planning
permission may be required, for example, where one or more assistants are
employed and a large number of children are cared for, with the consequence of
increased traffic and disruption to neighbours. Generally speaking, however, this is
not a matter in which Ofsted needs to become involved, or which needs to be
addressed in the national standards, which are to do with the quality of care being
offered. We therefore propose to delete the references to any planning permission
requirements. We also propose to issue further advice to local authorities on this
issue.
3.13 We acknowledge that on occasions recommendations made by local fire
safety officers can create difficulties for providers and Ofsted childcare inspectors
because they are in conflict with, or exceed, the requirements of the national
standards. Whist the provider will need to demonstrate that the children are being
cared for in a safe environment, and the Ofsted inspector needs to be satisfied that
this is the case, we propose that it should not always be necessary for fire safety
officers to inspect every premises, particularly in the case of childminding where
local fire safety rules may not be applicable to domestic premises.
3.14 Do you agree that the criteria should modify references to local
planning and fire safety officer requirements, and that childcare providers
should be made aware of such requirements by their local authority in the
pre-registration information and briefing that is offered?
3.15 Child protection. We are aware that the Victoria Climbié Inquiry report by
Lord Laming has made a number of recommendations relating to local child
protection procedures. We are reviewing these recommendations, and the crossdepartment development work that is being taken forward as a result, and will
adjust the wording of the criteria if changes are required in the short term. New
national guidance, “What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused”, has
now been published by the Department of Health in response to this report.
8
3.16
Definitions and presentation of standards and associated
regulations.
We have received a number of comments that it would be helpful to clarify
some of the definitions and produce a list of definitions as part of the
standards documentation. We propose to review the key definitions, making
sure they are consistent and appropriate, and to include a list in each
standards booklet. We will also consider including the associated
regulations in the same document as the national standards.
3.17
National standards regulations. These regulations will be revised to give
force to the revised criteria, will allow Ofsted to operate the criteria more
flexibly and will include a ban on corporal punishment. we are also
proposing some minor changes which will clarify and reduce the
requirements on providers in respect of keeping records and notifying
changes to Ofsted. a draft of these regulations is enclosed.
9
PROPOSALS ON THE REGULATION OF CHILDCARE PROVISION
IN SCHOOLS
4.1
We consulted last year on plans to apply the national childcare standards
and other aspects of Children Act regulation to the childcare that
independent and maintained schools provide directly. The responses to that
consultation generally welcomed our proposals (a report on the consultation
is available separately on www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations). We are intending
to proceed with this initiative from September 2003.
4.2
There will be a phased implementation, starting with the youngest children
and new provision. From September, Ofsted will start receiving applications
for registration in respect of all existing childcare provision which includes
care for children under 2, and from schools wishing to apply for registration
in order to operate new provision from April 2004. There will be a 31 March
2004 deadline for receipt of applications in the case of existing provision for
under 2s. Schools with existing childcare provision for under 2s are
encouraged to make their applications as early as possible in the autumn.
4.3
There will be a similar requirement the following year for childcare involving
only children aged 2 and over. Ofsted will consider applications for
registration in respect of existing provision from September 2004, with a
deadline of 31 March 2005 for receipt of applications.
4.4
At the outset of these new arrangements we want to avoid Ofsted having
automatically to register maintained and independent nursery school classes
for children aged 3 (including rising 3s) and 4. We are therefore proposing to
exclude any educational provision for this age group for up to 6 hours
between 8.00am and 4.00pm from the registration requirements. However,
any provision for under 3s is likely to consist of significant elements of care,
and we are proposing that facilities in schools which cater for this younger
age group would normally be registered.
10
4.5
We have drafted regulations which would give effect to these proposals, and
these are available for comment.
4.6
Are you content with the approach to the regulation of childcare in
schools outlined in paragraphs 4.2–4.4?
4.7
As indicated in section 3 above, we are proposing to make adjustments to
the national standards, in particular the supporting criteria and the way they
are applied, and some of these will address concerns expressed during the
previous consultation. Ofsted can allow time for agreed actions to be carried
out so that the standards can be met over an agreed period providing
children are not put at risk. A full regulatory impact assessment for the
regulation of childcare in schools is included with this consultation.
4.8
Ofsted childcare inspectors will carry out a registration visit to each school
applying for registration, and will normally carry out an initial inspection
within 6 months of registration. in the longer term ofsted will be considering
with the Independent Schools Inspectorate how they might assist with the
inspection of childcare and funded nursery education in those independent
schools which are affiliated to the Independent Schools Council (ISC). Also
in the longer term we will be looking more broadly at how the different
inspection arrangements for schools (non-ISC), funded nursery education
and childcare might be brought together more effectively. in the meantime,
where it is possible to do so, Ofsted will arrange for combined inspections of
school, nursery education and childcare, when these inspections are due in
the same period.
11
HOW TO RESPOND
5 HOW TO RESPOND
5.1
Additional copies of the consultation paper are available from DfES website
at www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations
5.2
The consultation period ends on 18th July 2003. We welcome your
comments on the issues raised in this consultation paper. Please complete
this questionnaire and return to:
Consultation Unit
Level 1B
Castle View House
Runcorn
Cheshire WA7 3GJ
5.3
The results of the consultation will be published on DfES Consultation
website at www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations
A
12
NNEX
ANNEX
In the following annex we have set out:
The revised changes to the Introduction to the National Standards
The revised changes to the wording in the National Standards supporting
criteria
Clarification of definitions to be incorporated in the National Standards
documentation
REVISED INTRODUCTION TO THE NATIONAL STANDARDS
Introduction
The Government is committed to promoting the welfare and development of all our
young children. Good quality care and education in the early years raise
educational standards and opportunities, and enhance children’s social
development.
The Government is determined that all child care services, be they new or
established, provide a secure and safe environment for children, not least so that
parents can have confidence that their children are well looked after.
About the National Standards
The National Standards represent a baseline of quality below which no provider
may fall. However, they are also intended to underpin a continuous improvement in
quality in all settings.
There are 14 National Standards. Each Standard describes a particular quality
outcome, and is accompanied by a set of supporting criteria giving information
about how that outcome is to be achieved. Regulations under the Children Act
require providers (technically the registered person in each setting) to meet the 14
Standards and to have regard to the
The National Standards do not override the need for providers to comply with other
legislation such as that covering health and safety, food hygiene, fire or planning
requirements.
Applying the Supporting Criteria
The criteria differ between each of the five categories of day care and childminding
provision:
full day care
sessional day care
crèches
out of school care
childminding
13
In addition, a number of annexes have been attached where appropriate,
explaining how the criteria are applied to overnight care, facilities caring for babies
and open access schemes.
Providers will normally show that they are meeting the headline Standards by
following the criteria. However, the criteria do not have to be followed to the letter if
the provider can demonstrate, and Ofsted is satisfied, that the Standards are being
met in a different way. There are two exceptions to this.
First, certain criteria refer to requirements that are set in the regulations, for
example, the requirements on physical punishment and record keeping. Clearly
providers are obliged to meet these requirements and so the flexibility which
applies to the other criteria will not apply in this instance. [The text of the criteria
will highlight where this is the case.]
Second, Standard 2 says that the provider must meet the requirements for adult:
child ratios and training and qualifications which are set in the criteria, although
they do incorporate a degree of flexibility (for example, the action plan process
allows the qualification requirements to be met over time where they cannot be
achieved immediately).
Most providers will be clear into which of the five categories of childcare their
setting falls, and therefore which criteria apply. There will be circumstances,
however, where a particular setting displays characteristics of more than one
category. In these cases Ofsted will advise the provider which category of childcare
is being used for registration, and which criteria are appropriate.
For example, although a setting operating for 41/2 hours is treated as full day care,
there may be full day care criteria which are not appropriate because the setting is
operating for a period only just over the limit for sessional care. Another example
might be a home playgroup where, although registered as childminding because it
operates on domestic premises, it would be appropriate to apply certain criteria
from the group day care categories.
In all cases Ofsted’s exercise of discretion in applying the supporting criteria will:
be focused upon the outcome for the child or children being cared for, and in
their interests;

be a professional judgement;
be an individual decision based upon a recognition of the uniqueness and
abilities of the provider;
be fully and explicitly explained and justified in writing;
remain consistent with the outcomes required by the 14 National Standards.
14
The following charts set out the revised changes to the wording in the National
Standards documentation:
CHILDMINDING STANDARDS
Current Position
Revised Wording
Standard 1 – Suitable Person
1.5
Qualifications – First Aid Training
aid course which includes training in first aid for
1.5
infants and young children, and which is
The childminder has completed a first
The childminder has completed a first
aid course which includes training in first aid for
consistent with any guidance issued to local
infants and young children within 6 months of
authorities by the Secretary of State. The
commencing childminding. A current first aid
training should be completed within 6 months
certificate is maintained.
of commencing childminding. A current first aid
certificate is maintained.
Exceptions can be made for siblings.
2.2
No more than 3 children may be under
5 years of age; and of these 3, normally no
more than 1 child may be under 1. However, 2
children under 1 may be cared for where the
childminder has an appropriate level of training
and/or experience. Exceptions to these ratios
can be made for siblings and to provide
continuity of care provided the childminder has
an appropriate level of training and/or
experience
Standard 3 – Care, learning and play
.3.7
Standard 2 – Organisation
Childminder: Child Ratios
2.2
No more than 3 children may be under
5 years of age; and of these 3, normally no
more than 1 child may be under one year.
3.7
Childminders who are part of an
accredited childminding network understand
and use the Early Learning Goals (from the
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) in their
work with funded 3 and 4 year old children.
Standard 4 – Physical environment
4.2
Childminders who are part of an
accredited childminding network help children
to work towards the Early Learning Goals as
described in the joint DfES/Qualifications and
Curriculum Authority publication ‘Curriculum
guidance for the foundation stage’.
4.2
We are removing this requirement.
The childminder ensures that they
operate within local planning and building
control requirements.
15
CHILDMINDING STANDARDS continued
Current Position
Revised Wording
Standard 6 – Safety
6.3
Security and Fire Safety
Children are under the direct
supervision of the childminder or assistant at all
times. Supervision should be sufficient to
6.3
Children are under the direct
ensure that children are safe at all times.
supervision of the childminder at all times.
6.14
6.14
The childminder complies with, and
If a local fire safety officer has visited,
the childminder complies with, and keeps
keeps records of, any recommendations made
records of, any recommendations he has
by the local Fire Safety Officer.
made.
Standard 7 – Health
7.9
7.9
First Aid and Smoking
There is a first aid box, the contents of
which are checked frequently and replaced as
necessary. This is kept in an accessible place
out of the reach of children.
7.13
The childminder and others in the
childminder’s home do not smoke in the
presence of children unless the childminder
There is a first aid box, the contents of
which will be determined in the first aid training
course, and are checked frequently and
replaced as necessary. This is kept in an
accessible place out of the reach of children.
7.13
The childminder and others in the
childminder’s home do not smoke in the
presence of children.
has prior written agreement from their parents.
Standard 10 – Special needs (including
10.1
special educational needs and disabilities)
care as possibly having special needs, or a
10.1
If a childminder identifies a child in their
care as possibly having special needs, or a
disability, s/he undertakes to discuss their
observations with the parent. In addition,
accredited childminders who are part of an
approved network of providers of nursery
education have regard to the Code of Practice
(1994) for the Identification and Assessment of
Special Educational Needs (being revised).
If a childminder identifies a child in their
disability, s/he undertakes to discuss their
observations with the parent and is proactive in
ensuring that they will be welcomed
appropriately. In addition, accredited
childminders who are part of an approved
network of providers of nursery education have
regard to the Code of Practice (2001) for the
Identification and Assessment of Special
Educational Needs.
16
CHILDMINDING STANDARDS continued
Current Position
Revised Wording
Standard 11 – Behaviour
11.5
11.5
The childminder does not smack
Physical punishments, or the threat of
them, are not used.
children in their care unless they have a prior
written agreement with the parents.
Standard 13 – Child protection
This criteria will be reviewed in light of the
recent guidance issued by the Department of
Health.
We intend to remove this requirement from the
criteria
Annex B – Overnight care
B.5
Sleeping areas to be used by children
are inspected by the Fire Safety Officer and all
the recommendations on fire safety and
arrangements for safe emergency evacuation
are met before any child is looked after
overnight.
FULL DAY CARE STANDARDS
Current Position
Revised Wording
Standard 1 – Suitable person Qualifications
1.4
1.4
The person in charge who is present has
at least a level 3 qualification appropriate to the
post.
In addition:
The manager has at least a level 3
qualification appropriate to the post.
In addition:
the manager has at least 2 years
experience of working in a day care setting;
the manager has at least 2 years’
We are moving the requirement on trainees
experience of working in a day care setting;
to Standard 2 (Organisation) – section 2.5
trainees under 17 years are supervised
at all times and are not counted in the adult:
child ratios.
(Staff Training and Qualifications) – see
below.
17
FULL DAY CARE STANDARDS continued
.
Current Position
Revised Wording
Standard 2 – Organisation
Staff Training and Qualifications
2.5
The registered person ensures that:
trainees under 17 years of age are
supervised at all times and are not counted
in the staffing ratios; Where the registered
person is satisfied that trainees of 17 years
or over are competent and responsible,
they may be included in the staffing ratios.
Standard 3 – Care, learning and play
3.9
The registered person understands and
uses the Early Learning Goals (from the
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA))
if funded three and four year olds are catered
3.9
The registered person helps children to
work towards the Early Learning Goals as
described in the joint DfES/Qualifications and
Curriculum Authority publication ‘Curriculum
guidance for the foundation stage’.
for.
Standard 7 – Health
First Aid
7.8
There is a first aid box, the contents of
which will be determined in the first aid training
course, and are checked frequently and
7.8
There is a first aid box complying with
the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations
replaced as necessary. This is kept in an
accessible place out of the reach of children.
1981, the contents of which are checked
frequently and replaced as necessary by a
designated member of staff. This is kept in an
accessible place out of the reach of children.
7.9
There is at least one member of staff
with a current first aid training certificate on the
premises or on outings at any one time. The
first aid qualification includes training in first aid
7.9
There is at least one member of staff
for infants and young children which is
with a current first aid training certificate on the
consistent with any guidance issued to local
premises or on outings at any one time. The
authorities by the Secretary of State.
first aid qualification includes training in first aid
for infants and young children
.
18
FULL DAY CARE STANDARDS continued
.
Current Position
Revised Wording
Standard 10 – Special needs
10.1
(including special educational needs
and
disabilities)
10.1
The registered person has regard to the
Code of Practice (1994) for the Identification
and Assessment of Special Educational Needs
(being revised).
10.3
The registered person has regard to the
Code of Practice (2001) for the Identification
and Assessment of Special Educational Needs.
10.3
Staffing arrangements are designed to
meet the needs of individual children who
attend and have special needs. Such children
are welcomed appropriately.
Staffing arrangements are designed to
meet the needs of individual children who
attend and have special needs.
Standard 12 – Working in partnership with
12.3
parents and carers
regular exchange of information between
12.3
There is a system in place for the
regular exchange of information between
parent and staff member. Appropriate and
prompt action is taken on any concerns raised
and a record of all complaints is maintained.
There is a system in place for the
parent and staff member. Parents are able to
share information and their views and concerns
are respected and acknowledged. Appropriate
and prompt action is taken on any concerns
raised and a record of all complaints is
maintained.
Standard 13 – Child protection
This criteria will be reviewed in light of the
recent guidance issue by the Department of
Health
19
.
OUT OF SCHOOL CARE
Current Position
Revised Wording
Standard 7 – Health
7.6
First Aid
which will be determined in the first aid training
7.6
course, and are checked frequently and
There is a first aid box complying with
There is a first aid box, the contents of
the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations
replaced as necessary. This is kept in an
1981, the contents of which are checked
accessible place out of the reach of children.
frequently and replaced as necessary by a
7.7
designated member of staff. It is kept in an
with a current first aid training certificate on the
accessible place out of the reach of children.
premises or on outings at any one time. The
7.7
first aid qualification includes training in first aid
There is at least one member of staff
There is at least one member of staff
with a current first aid training certificate on the
for infants and young children which is
premises or on outings at any one time. The
consistent with any guidance issued to local
first aid qualification includes training in first aid
authorities by the Secretary of State.
for infants and young children.
Standard 10 – Special needs (including
10.2
special educational needs and disabilities)
meet the needs of individual children who
10.2
attend and have special needs. Such children
Staffing arrangements are designed to
meet the needs of individual children who
Staffing arrangements are designed to
are welcomed appropriately
attend and have special needs.
20
OUT OF SCHOOL CARE continued
Current Position
Revised Wording
Standard 12 – Working in partnership with
12.3
parents and carers
regular exchange of information between
12.3
There is a system in place for the
regular exchange of information between
parent and staff member. Appropriate and
prompt action is taken on any concerns raised
and a record of all complaints is maintained.
There is a system in place for the
parent and staff member. Parents are able to
share information and their views and concerns
are respected and acknowledged. Appropriate
and prompt action is taken on any concerns
raised and a record of all complaints is
maintained.
Standard 13 Child protection
This criteria will be reviewed in light of the recent
guidance issued by the Department of Health.
T
Current Position
SESSIONAL CARE
Revised Wording
Standard 3 – Care, learning and play
3.9
The registered person understands and
uses the Early Learning Goals (from the
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA))
if funded three and four year olds are catered
3.9
The registered person helps children to
work towards the Early Learning Goals as
described in the joint DfES/Qualifications and
Curriculum Authority publication ‘Curriculum
guidance for the foundation stage’
for.
.
21
SESSIONAL CARE continued
Current Position
Standard 7 – Health
7.8
First Aid
There is a first aid box complying with
the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations
1981, the contents of which are checked
frequently and replaced as necessary by a
Revised Wording
7.8
There is a first aid box, the contents of
which will be determined in the first aid training
course and are checked frequently and
replaced as necessary. This is kept in an
accessible place out of the reach of children.
designated member of staff. This is kept in an
7.9
accessible place out of the reach of children.
with a current first aid training certificate on the
7.9
There is at least one member of staff
with a current first aid training certificate on the
premises or on outings at any one time. The
first aid qualification includes training in first aid
for infants and young children.
There is at least one member of staff
premises or on outings at any one time. The
first aid qualification includes training in first aid
for infants and young children which is
consistent with any guidance issued to local
authorities by the Secretary of State.
Standard 10 – Special needs (including
10.1
special educational needs and disabilities)
Code of Practice (2001) for the Identification
10.1
The registered person has regard to the
The registered person has regard to the
and Assessment of Special Educational Needs.
Code of Practice (1994) for the Identification
10.3
and Assessment of Special Educational Needs
meet the needs of individual children who
(being revised).
attend and have special needs. Such children
10.3
Staffing arrangements are designed to
Staffing arrangements are designed to
are welcomed appropriately.
meet the needs of individual children who
attend and have special needs.
Standard 12 – Working in partnership with
12.3
parents and carers
regular exchange of information between
12.3
There is a system in place for the
regular exchange of information between
parent and staff member. Appropriate and
prompt action is taken on any concerns raised
and a record of all complaints is maintained.
There is a system in place for the
parent and staff member. Parents are able to
share information and their views and concerns
are respected and acknowledged. Appropriate
and prompt action is taken on any concerns
raised and a record of all complaints is
maintained.
Standard 13 – Child protection
This criteria will be reviewed in light of the
recent guidance issues by the Department of
Health.
22
CRÈCHES
Current Position
Revised Wording
Standard 7 – Health First Aid
7.8
7.8
There is a first aid box complying with
the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations
1981, the contents of which are checked
frequently and replaced as necessary by a
There is a first aid box, the contents of
which will be determined in the first aid training
course and are checked frequently and
replaced as necessary. This is kept in an
accessible place out of the reach of children.
designated member of staff. This is kept in an
7.9
accessible place out of the reach of children.
with a current first aid training certificate on the
7.9
premises or on outings at any one time. The
There is at least one member of staff
There is at least one member of staff
with a current first aid training certificate on the
first aid qualification includes training in first aid
premises or on outings at any one time. The
for infants and young children which is
first aid qualification includes training in first aid
consistent with any guidance issued to local
for infants and young children.
authorities by the Secretary of State.
Standard 10 – Special needs (including
special educational needs and disabilities)
10.2
Staffing arrangements are designed to
meet the needs of individual children who
attend and have special needs.
10.2
Staffing arrangements are designed to
meet the needs of individual children who attend and
have special needs. Such children are welcomed
appropriately.
Standard 12 – Working in partnership with
12.3
parents and carers
exchange of information between parent and staff
12.3
There is a system in place for the
regular exchange of information between
parent and staff member. Appropriate and
There is a system in place for the regular
member. Parents are able to share information and
their views and concerns are respected and
acknowledged.
prompt action is taken on any concerns raised
Appropriate and prompt action is taken on any
and a record of all complaints is maintained.
concerns raised and a record of all complaints is
maintained.
Standard 13 – Child protection
This criteria will be reviewed in light of the
recent guidance issued by the Department of
Health.
23
G
L O
S
S A
R
Y
O
F
D
E
F
I
N
I
T
I O
N
S
Current Definition
Revised Definition
Registered person: not currently defined in
Registered person: a person deemed
qualified to care for children and whose name
appears on the certificate of registration. The
registered person has overall responsibility for
ensuring that the requirements of the National
Standards are met. A company, committee or
other group may be the registered person.
Manager: the person in day to day charge of
the setting. The manager need not be the same
person as the registered person. If not, the
manager will be recruited and vetted by the
registered person. A manager must have
appropriate qualifications and experience.
the National Standards documentation, only in
Ofsted’s guidance.
Manager: not currently defined in the National
Standards documentation, only in Ofsted’s
guidance.
Parent: not currently defined in the National
Parent: any person with parental responsibility
Standards documentation, only in Ofsted’s
for a child.
guidance.
Early Years Childcare Inspector: not currently
Early Years Childcare Inspector: a person
defined in the National Standards
employed by Ofsted who is responsible for
documentation, only in Ofsted’s guidance.
regulating and inspecting day care and
childminding provision.
Categories of childcare:
No proposed changes
Full Day Care
Sessional Care (see below)
Crèches
Out of School Care
Childminding
Sessional Care:
Facilities that provide day
care for children under eight for a session
which is less than a continuous period of 4
hours in any day in premises which are not
domestic premises. Where two sessions are
offered in any one day, individual children must
Facilities where children under 8 attend day
care for no more than 5 sessions a week, each
session being less than a continuous period of
4 hours in any day. Where 2 sessions are
offered in any one day, there is a break
between sessions with no children in the care
of the provider
not attend more than five sessions a week.
There must be a break between sessions with
no children in the care of the provider.
24