The second of the five outcomes by which Ofsted will inspect early years settings is TProtecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe.U Settings need to ensure that the welfare of each child is paramount at all times.
This outcome is linked to:
* National Standards 4, 5, 6 and 13
* Birth to Three Matters - A Healthy Child National Standard 4 - physical environment
* The environment is warm and welcoming for staff, children and their families
* Images are displayed that reflect the society that we live in
* ChildrenUs work is displayed at their eye level
* Information is displayed regarding staff members and their job role
* Information is displayed regarding activities and events
* The premises is maintained and cleaned to a reasonable standard
* Temperature is maintained at all times
* How staff organise the space for children and meet the requirements of registration
* Storage space is accessible and sufficient; equipment can be stored safely inside and outside
* Rest areas are provided for children
* Toilets are sufficient in number and children can access them safely; nappy changing facilities where appropriate are suitable
* Access to a working telephone, especially in an emergency
* Facilities for staff and parents to use, particularly where they have to share confidential information
* The suitability of kitchen and laundry facilities where appropriate.
Examples of good practice
Children have sufficient space to move around the premises. There is enough light available in the premises for children and staff to feel comfortable.
There is a designated area for children to rest. Staff are aware of procedures to follow if the temperature is too high or low. The telephone is in good working order. Children are able to use the toilets independently; appropriate nappy changing facilities are provided. Children select their own artwork to be displayed, which is displayed at their eye level. Staff make a conscious effort to welcome every child and their family. The premises inside and out are cleaned and maintained on a daily basis.
National Standard 5 - equipment
* Satisfactory amount of age-appropriate play materials and resources, that meet the developmental needs of children
* Play materials and resources stimulate and challenge children
* Children can freely access the resources and play materials
* There is enough equipment and furniture available for every child to participate and feel included.
Examples of good practice
Children have free access to the play materials and resources. This includes a variety of manmade and natural materials. When providing play materials and resources, staff make sure every childUs needs are meet. If children require a rest, they are provided with individual bedding.
Children positively interact with each other; this is due to the wide selection of equipment that is available. Staff are aware of health and safety issues when they provide equipment for children.
National Standard 6 - safety
* Full adherence is given to all health and safety issues
* Fire safety equipment is in good working order
* Staff are aware of their health and safety responsibilities
* Staff are vigilant at all times and are effectively deployed inside, outdoors and particularly on outings
* How any recommendations regarding fire safety are put into practice; fire logbook has been used
* Relevant health and safety policies and procedures are in operation
* How children are kept safe on outings; details of drivers and vehicles if appropriate
* Public liability insurance certificate is displayed
* Details of all visitors to the setting are recorded
* How access to the premises is organised; care is taken when the premises is shared by other users
* Appliances are safe and in good working order
* Risk assessments are carried out on a regular basis and all actions are met.
Written evidence
Under the Children Act regulations (Ofsted, 2001, 2003), requirements of registration, you must:
* Keep a statement of the procedures to be followed in the event of a fire.
Examples of good practice
Staff regularly carry out risk assessments. All hazards are recorded and acted upon. Children have an awareness of health and safety issues and know why they must not run inside. Staff use a variety of storytelling methods to inform children of the settingUs fire drill procedures. Checks are made on all fire safety equipment to ensure that they are working and safe to use. Frequent fire drills take place that include all children and staff.
All outings are planned in advanced and staff adhere to the settingUs outings procedures. Deployment issues are taken seriously; all staff take this into consideration while inside, outside and on outings. The setting is appropriately insured and the certificate of insurance is displayed.
Staff make sure that all visitors record their details. To protect children, access to and from the premises is safely managed. Annual checks are made on all appliances to check that they are in good working order.
National Standard 13 - child protection
* Written child protection statement
* Procedures are in place in the event of an allegation being made against a staff member or volunteer
* How you comply with the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures or guidelines
* There is a named member of staff who is responsible for child protection issues
* Staff have sound knowledge of child protection issues and are informed of child protection procedures
* Parents are aware of your child protection responsibilities
* If there have been any child protection concerns, how this is dealt with.
Written evidence
Under the Children Act regulations (Ofsted, 2001, 2003), requirements of registration, you must:
* Keep a statement of the arrangements in place for the protection of each child, including arrangements to safeguard children from abuse or neglect and the procedures to be followed in the event of abuse or neglect
* Notify Ofsted about any allegations of serious harm or abuse against a child while the child is in your care.
Examples of good practice
Documentation that relates to child protection issues complies with the local ACPC guidance. As a result staff know what to do if they are worried or concerned about a child. This is in accordance with the Department of HealthUs guidance, What to do if youUre worried a child is being abused.
Staff are able to effectively and efficiently deal with all child protection concerns, and there is documented evidence to support this. The designated staff member shares all relevant child protection matters with the staff team, volunteers and parents. Staff do not put themselves at risk nor place themselves in vulnerable situations. If an allegation is made against a staff member this is taken seriously and the appropriate actions are taken.
Birth to Three Matters: a healthy child
* How children are kept safe and protected
* How they learn about the settingUs rules and boundaries
* How their views are respected.
Examples of good practice
Children have opportunities to explore safely in their environment. Rules and boundaries are set that meet the individual needs of children. Staff respect childrenUs views; for instance, children have the right to say no.
Laura Henry of Childcare Consultancy is at www.childcareconsult.co.uk
Further Information
* Ofsted, 2001 and 2003, Full Day Care: Guidance to the National Standards
* Sure Start (2002), Birth to Three Matters: A framework to support children in their earliest years, DfES
* www.everychildmatters.gov.uk
* www.ofsted.gov.uk
* www.dfes.gov.uk
* www.dh.gov.uk
ABOUT THIS SERIES
In line with the current inspection process and the Children Act 2004, Ofsted will not now give settings notice of inspection and will assess how they meet children's needs within the following five outcomes:
* Helping children to be healthy
* Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe
* Helping children to enjoy and achieve
* Helping children make a positive contribution to the provision and wider community
* Helping children to achieve economic well-being.
This series aims to show:
* how the National Standards, Birth to Three Matters and Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage link to each of the outcomes
* what evidence to gather. With no notice of inspection, all the required evidence needs to be in place at all times
* what practice settings should aspire to.