Safeguarding children
As a registered childminder or nanny you are
in an important position when it comes to ensuring that the
children in your care are safe from harm.
If you have a concern about the welfare or safety of a child you
must put your child protection policy into action, so as not to
delay further investigation by the appropriate authorities. You
should contact your local children's social services department as
it is their responsibility to investigate whether the child is
being abused, and decide what action to take next.
It is your responsibility as a registered childminder to let
Ofsted (England) or CSSIW (Wales) know about any concerns you have
reported as soon as possible. Having a child protection policy is
compulsory in both England and Wales.
In England
For childminders in England, the Welfare Requirements contained
within the Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS) set out what you
must do to keep young children safe. The EYFS applies to all
registered childcare providers looking after children aged between
birth and 5 years old, but represents good practice across all age
groups. The
welfare requirements of the EYFS are available in your Early
Years Foundation stage pack or can be viewed online (external
link).
In Wales
For childminders in Wales, standard 18 (Child Protection) of
National Minimum standards for Childminding sets out what you must
do to keep children safe. For a full copy of the National standards
for childminding, visit CSSIW
(external link) or call 01443 848450.
Training
Although these resources will provide a useful source of
information, they are not a substitute for training. NCMA strongly
recommends that you take advantage of any child protection courses
(including refresher courses) that are offered in your area. NCMA
offers an online e-learning training course for anyone working with
children to help meet their safeguarding requirements.
Find out more and book your training here.
Support services
NCMA’s Safeguarding Children Service offers support and advice
for anyone concerned about a child. It will put you in touch with a
specially trained member of NCMA staff who can talk through the
worries you have. This service is available during office hours by
calling your Regional office (see “contact us” on page 41) or by
calling the main NCMA number on 0845 880 0044 and asking to speak
to a “designated officer”.
NSPCC’s Child Protection Helpline is open 24 hours a day on 0808
800 5000. Although you may find it useful to talk to another
professional if you have concerns about a child, it is very
important that this does not delay you contacting children’s social
services.
More information