Some county’s use an audit tool to help check that they are meeting the statutory safeguarding requirements. This audit tool will identify any gaps and help you create an action plan, it will also ensure you have the following
- Clear policies and procedures in place
It is best practice for the manager and the designated safeguarding officer/lead to work together to carry out this audit. This audit should be recorded and filed away as evidence for Ofsted.
Each early years and childcare setting should have the following
- An upto date written safeguarding policy which references to their county’s Child Protection Procedures,.
- A trained designated safeguarding officer/lead
- Other safeguarding procedures such as information about dealing with allegations against members of staff
- All staff to have at least level 1 safeguarding training
- Robust staff recruitment and selection processes which safeguard children.
- DBS checks
Documents/publication to refer to with regard to any other local Safeguarding guidance, polices and procedures.
- Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage published September 2014 (Section 3), Can be downloaded from HERE
- HM Government (2015) Working Together to Safeguard Children A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. pp 42-43. Can be downloaded from HERE
- HM Government (2015) What To Do If You’re Worried a Child Is being Abused. Explains the signs of abuse and neglect to look out for and the action to take if you think a child is being abused or neglected. Can be downloaded from HERE
- Information sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners. Can be downloaded from HERE
During Ofsted inspections if setting are not meeting any of the Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements this will affect the overall Ofsted grade and you will only be awarded ‘requires improvement’
Early Years and Childcare Safeguarding Audit