Policy and Procedure | Requirement to Register

All persons who provide care for one or more children, for two or more hours in a day, on domestic premises or non-domestic premises, must be registered by Ofsted or Childminding Agency. We are not required to register with ofsted as we work with nannies.

Policy

Those who mind children on domestic and non-domestic premises are registered in accordance with the requirement specified in the Children Act. This is to protect the rights, welfare, and development of young children and their families. It is also to ensure equal access and treatment for all children regardless of background, ethnicity, and disability.

Enquiries

All enquiries are dealt with promptly and information supplied enables the potential applicant to make an informed decision about proceeding with employment. Decisions about applications are dealt with where at all possible, within the legislative time frame.

Procedure

1. The initial enquiry by telephone or in the office is taken by the company staff who keeps a record of the enquiry.
2. The applicant is directed to the company address for the Application Process for Ofsted Child care providers– Guidance Document OR if they do not have access to this, the company secretary promptly sends this out by post and is sent along with a Childminding Enquiry Form.
3. On receipt of the completed Enquiry Form the enquirer receives an invitation to a Pre-Employment Briefing Session and is advised that attendance is compulsory if they wish to proceed. This session will be provided by company or a qualified trainer (to be agreed). If the session is provided by an outside qualified trainer then the names of all applicants will be forwarded to the trainer and they will invite the trainer to the session and make all arrangements. At the end of the  Briefing Session the ofsted childminder will be issued with an application form and all vetting documentation. The applicant will receive a letter with the application form advising that the application form and all documentation must be returned in person so that their identification and all those connected with the application can be verified and that this commences the application process. 
4. The company will record the receipt of the application form and all vetting documentation. The company checks that all forms are completed correctly and any that are not, are returned to the applicant. The company verifies the identification of the ofsted applicant and all those associated with the application and signs to say all documentation has been seen. The Home Office and Ofsted certificate should always be checked.
5. The names of all those who attended will be forwarded to the company providing the mandatory introductory pre-employment training in the three core areas of safeguarding, first aid and health and safety and attendance at this training will run alongside the application process.
6.  The company creates a file for the applicant and files all documentation as it arrives. A checklist sheet should be added to all files/folders in order to keep track of all paper work.
7. The company ensures that the Enhanced Disclosure Applications for DBS are clear by ensuring the ofsted childcare provider is registered on the update service.
8. The company requests character references for everyone in the households. The outcome of these checks is recorded on file.
9. Four weeks after the instigation of the vetting procedure, the company checks the file to ensure all documentation has been returned and issues reminders to ensure the required information is supplied. Checklist should be updated. DBS checks to be stored confidentially.
10. Within 15 working days of a clear enhanced DBS and a clear social service check, the company contacts the applicant and makes a date to visit the applicants’ home. Any arrangements made by phone should be followed up in writing. A copy of the short guide to Regional Child Protection Policy & Procedures should be sent out.
11. At the applicant’s home, the company worker carries out interviews to determine the fitness of the applicant and the premises  of the Childminder. The company worker will discuss with the applicant and any other relevant parties, issues that may have arisen through the application process.
12. The applicant should be advised in writing of any undue delay or difficulties which occur on either the part of the company or the applicant if the application proceeds beyond the 3 month time scale.
13. The company worker confirms that all outstanding issues have been addressed and all documentation is in order and on file and all training attended.
14. The company worker writes the assessment report which includes any requirements and recommendations. This is then forwarded to the team leader for approval.
15. If application is approved the company issues a letter of employment.
16. The company forwards the letter of employment to the designated senior manager for signature. The signed copy is returned to the team secretary who issues to the applicant. A copy is held on file.