Cyp 3.3 1.2

EYFS – sets standards and frameworks to follow to ensure the safety of children & young people

The legal regulations under section 39 of the childcare act 2006 gives the early years foundation stage (EYFS) , that came into force in Sept. 2008 and providers are required to use the EYFS to ensure a flexible approach to children’s learning and development so that children will achieve the five every child matters outcomes which are :

EYFS sets standards for learning development and care for children aged 0-5 years. All schools and Ofsted registered early years providers including child minders, pre-schools and nurseries.

13. It is now up to the providers to carry out and judge risk assessments; they must be recorded in writing.

As we can see the impact is quite direct because is this law who ensures regulation and inspection for childcare provider in England, that way the local authorities can secure a sufficient childcare for those parents who need it. But on the other hand The Childcare Act is also about duties, including The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) that should improve quality. What is the EYFS? And what does it implies? The EYFS is defining on line (www.education.gouv.uk, p http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/curriculum/a0068102/early-years-foundation-stage-eyfs) as an integral part of the Government’s wider vision for families in the

Childminders must ensure the premises and equipment used for the purposes of childcare are safe and suitable and must undertake a risk assessment of the premises and equipment at least once in each calendar year. Childminders must ensure that all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks.

The ‘Children’s Act 2004’ was continuously updated and developed into the ‘Children’s Act 2006’. This act states that all settings have to follow the Early Years Framework Stages (which were renewed in 2012). The Early Years Framework Stages (EYFS) is aimed to fulfil the five aims of ‘every child matters’ and the previous children’s act of 2004. The intentions are to achieve these aims by setting standards, promote equal opportunities and through a framework of partnerships, improve quality and consistency and lay secure foundation for all learning and development, present and future. By improving the quality the service and experiences are improved for all children and families. Safeguarding children is a vital part of improving all childcare services/settings.

2. EYFS The Childcare Act provides for the EYFS which is mandatory for all Early Years Settings. The EYFS statutory framework sets both learning and development requirements, and safeguarding and welfare requirements. It fully supports equality, diversity and inclusion.

The Statutory Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shows that child protection is part of the welfare and safeguarding requirements. It is supported by the positive outcomes of Every Child Matters and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) that places a duty of care onto childcare practitioners and their managers to safeguard children and young people and promote their welfare.

The statutory framework for the EYFS sets out the legal requirements relating to learning and development and to welfare. The EYFS framework has statutory force by virtue of Section 44 of the Childcare Act 2006.

Risk assessments should be carried out regularly to make sure that there are no safe guard threats towards the children in the setting. Childcare settings need risk assessing for example is there entrances and exits to the building that an unauthorised person could use? Could a child leave the setting without anyone noticing? Could a child get seriously hurt due to a broken piece of equipment?

Working together to safeguard children 2006 sets out how organisations and individuals should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in accordance with the Children’s Act 1989 and the Children’s Act 2004. It is important that all practitioners within settings and environments looking and caring after children and young people must know their responsibilities and duties in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, following their legislations, policies and procedures.

In this report I am going to be evaluating the regulation of care provision for looked after children. I am going to be talking about four and evaluating what the benefits and barriers are with each one. The four I am going to be discussing are CRB/DBS checks, OFSTED, General Teaching Council and the General Social Care Council. CRB/DBS Checks

Pre-registration Childminder’s Profile (appendix 1) Pre-registration workshop attendance certificate Pre-registration visit report Fire Officer/Environmental Health reports (if applicable) Record of DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check including assistants and those living on the premises over the age of 16 Ofsted actions and recommendations (if applicable) Qualifications, Training & Professional Development Evidence of childcare qualifications Evidence of other relevant qualifications/training Continuous professional development record ( appendix 2)

Have the appropriate qualifications, training and skills, as set out by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This framework ensures all childcare providers - including childminders- adhere to the same guidelines. Local career advisers in colleges can advise you what qualifications are required.