The new inspections for early years Childminders
To reflect the new EYFS regulations, Ofsted has changed how it inspects Early Years providers. As an early years childminder, we take a look at what you could expect in your next inspection.
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Hi, Very good information as i am due my inspection soon!.If possible could you post me some useful tips for ‘Risk Assessments’?
Kind regards,
Michelle
Hi Michelle, thank you for your comment, I am glad you liked the article. I will write a separate blog about risk assessments soon. In the meantime my immediate thoughts are that although written risk assessments are now not compulsory under early years regulation, the EYFS framework regulations state: “3.63 Providers must have a clear and well-understood policy, and procedures, for assessing any risks to children’s safety, and review risk assessments regularly. Providers must determine where it is helpful to make some written risk assessments in relation to specific issues, to inform staff practice, and to demonstrate how they are managing risks if asked by parents and/or carers or inspectors. Risk assessments should identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, when and by whom those aspects will be checked, and how the risk will be removed or minimised”. In my opinion the best way to do this is to complete a written risk assessment and to check and update the risk assessment regularly. I would review and update it at least every six months but more often if my setting changed or if I cared for a new child to consider their individual needs. Our Risk assessment record template and Risk assessment policy template may help you.
Turning to outings, the regulations say “3.64 Children must be kept safe while on outings, and providers must obtain written parental permission for children to take part in outings. Providers must assess the risks or hazards which may arise for the children, and must identify the steps to be taken to remove, minimise and manage those risks and hazards. The assessment must include consideration of adult to child ratios. The risk assessment does not necessarily need to be in writing; this is for providers to judge”. It may be impractical and slightly over-the-top to write a written risk assessment for every outing (for example walking to the local post box to post a letter) but I would write them for major outings and ones completed regularly (such as the school run). For every outing though I would go through a mental process as described in the above statement. Our Outings permissions form and Outing risk assessment records should help with this.
Good luck with your inspection, it would be great to hear how you get on.
Amanda