As a self employed independent Ofsted registered childminder you are responsible for ensuring your documentation is accurate, up-to-date and reflects current legislation and any Ofsted factsheets published since the EYFS was released in Sept 2012.
Here I will talk about...
· Risk assessments
· Policies and procedures
. Learning journeys
. Progress check at 2
RISK ASSESSMENTS
Childminders do not need written risk assessments - or a risk assessment policy.
However, you do need to think about risks and keep children as safe as reasonably practicable to comply with health and safety legislation.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
There are 2 statutory policies - safeguarding / child protection and complaints. you might want other policies in writing to share with parents.
It is not a requirement of the EYFS or any other legislation or guidance to have a document called a ‘Learning Journey’ - or a scrap book or a diary or any write documentation apart from the Progress Check at 2.
The Department for Education and Ofsted have made it clear in their myth busting that they do not expect providers to spend time writing information - they want to see providers playing with the children.
Ofsted inspectors will ask questions about the provider's intent, implementation and impact - the curriculum, teaching and assessment. They want to know that the children are making good progress from their starting points - and this information can be shared verbally.
You can, of course, keep learning and development records if you prefer but, apart from the Progress Check at 2, they will not be inspected by Ofsted
PROGRESS CHECK AT 2
You will find updated information and support for writing the Progress Check at 2, to comply with the revised EYFS 2021, in a series of guides free from Childcare.co.uk.
