The document ‘Inspecting safeguarding in in early years, education and skills settings’ has been updated (August 2016).
This is the document Ofsted inspectors use when inspecting our provisions and ways of working related to the safeguarding requirements of the EYFS and the Common Inspection Framework.
We have been provided with a list of the main changes between this update and the previous document which has now been withdrawn.
One of the requirements is for a Staff Behaviour Policy – here is an example of some of the things you might want to include –
Staff Behaviour Policy EXAMPLE
We expect all our staff to behave in an exemplary way at all times. Staff who work in the provision set examples of behaviour and conduct which can be copied by the children.
The safeguarding lead practitioner in the provision is –
The safeguarding deputy* is -
Please read this policy alongside the Staff Handbook and the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures of the provision which also includes a Whistleblowing Procedure and procedures for reporting concerns about a child’s wellbeing or safety.
*’Inspecting Safeguarding in early years’ states ‘when the setting is in operation, the designated safeguarding lead or an appropriately trained deputy should be available during opening hours for staff to discuss safeguarding concerns’. I believe this to mean that Ofsted inspectors are going to be checking the assistant has the same knowledge and understanding of safeguarding as the lead practitioner and will need the same training.
If you want to provide your staff with in-house training on safeguarding and child protection, you might find this blog useful.
**You can find further information about disqualification by association here.
I have updated my e-book 48 ‘Assistants’ to include this information. It is available on my Knutsford Childminding website – if you have purchased it previously please see this information.
If you are a Childcare.co.uk gold member you can find further advice about writing a staff handbook, staff policies and procedures and other staff documents here.
If you have any questions, please ask me. Thank you.
Sarah | Knutsford Childminding
This is the document Ofsted inspectors use when inspecting our provisions and ways of working related to the safeguarding requirements of the EYFS and the Common Inspection Framework.
We have been provided with a list of the main changes between this update and the previous document which has now been withdrawn.
One of the requirements is for a Staff Behaviour Policy – here is an example of some of the things you might want to include –
Staff Behaviour Policy EXAMPLE
We expect all our staff to behave in an exemplary way at all times. Staff who work in the provision set examples of behaviour and conduct which can be copied by the children.
The safeguarding lead practitioner in the provision is –
The safeguarding deputy* is -
- Staff are expected to treat children with courtesy, sensitivity and respect.
- Staff must attend all safeguarding training provided by the lead practitioner and, when required, training provided by the Local Safeguarding Children Board / Local Authority.
- Staff must never give guarantees of confidentiality or secrecy to children or adults.
- Staff will be trained in how to support children with nappy changing and toileting.
- Parents should be informed that touch and physical contact is essential in order to provide sensitive, high quality care and educational provision. Physical contact is necessary in the carrying out of staff professional duties eg cuddling a child who has hurt themselves, sitting together on the sofa reading a book, kissing a child when requested or holding a baby when feeding.
- Staff must avoid using inappropriate language or actions when speaking with parents or children.
- Staff have a duty to safeguard children from: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect and concerns must be reported to the lead practitioner immediately. The Whistleblowing Procedures of the setting must be followed if staff continue to be concerned about a child’s welfare or safety.
- Photographs may only be taken on the provision camera and printed through the provision printer. They must not be uploaded onto the internet without permission from the safeguarding lead practitioner. Misuse of the internet will lead to disciplinary action.
- Staff must not use mobile phones during working hours, apart from if they are on a break and in a different area of the provision from the children. A staff mobile phone is provided for outings.
- If a staff member uses physical restraint to protect a child from hurting themselves or others it must be immediately reported to the safeguarding lead practitioner and recorded.
- Staff are expected to dress suitably for working with children and to be neat and professional in appearance.
- Smoking is not permitted during working hours and staff must not smell of smoke when working.
- Use of alcohol and illegal drugs or legal drugs that impact on ability to care for children is not permitted during working hours and staff must not arrive at the setting under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- If a staff member is ill or is prescribed a new medication which might affect their suitability to work by their doctor or other medical practitioner, they must inform the safeguarding lead practitioner as soon as possible.
- If a staff member knows that they are or might be disqualified from working with children or disqualified by association** with another person who is disqualified from working with children, they must inform the safeguarding lead practitioner as soon as possible.
- Staff are expected to arrive on time and to complete their daily duties before departure.
- Staff must maintain the highest possible standards of confidentiality and ensure that documentation, records and discussions remain confidential.
Please read this policy alongside the Staff Handbook and the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures of the provision which also includes a Whistleblowing Procedure and procedures for reporting concerns about a child’s wellbeing or safety.
*’Inspecting Safeguarding in early years’ states ‘when the setting is in operation, the designated safeguarding lead or an appropriately trained deputy should be available during opening hours for staff to discuss safeguarding concerns’. I believe this to mean that Ofsted inspectors are going to be checking the assistant has the same knowledge and understanding of safeguarding as the lead practitioner and will need the same training.
If you want to provide your staff with in-house training on safeguarding and child protection, you might find this blog useful.
**You can find further information about disqualification by association here.
I have updated my e-book 48 ‘Assistants’ to include this information. It is available on my Knutsford Childminding website – if you have purchased it previously please see this information.
If you are a Childcare.co.uk gold member you can find further advice about writing a staff handbook, staff policies and procedures and other staff documents here.
If you have any questions, please ask me. Thank you.
Sarah | Knutsford Childminding