for those minding children under 2 or providing
overnight care
The National Standards represent a baseline of quality below which no provider may
fall. They are also intended to underpin a continuous improvement in quality in Childminding.
There
are 14 National Standards, each one describing a particular quality outcome. The
Children Act requires childminders to meet all 14 National Standards.
Ofsted have produced Guidance booklets on the National Standards and these are available from their website www.ofsted.gov.uk
Many childminders are members of the National Childminding Association and they have also signed up to the NCMA’s 10 Quality Standards. These can be read in detail on the NCMA website
1. Suitable person: Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.
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2. Organisation: The Registered person meets required adult:child ratios,ensures
that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources
to meet the children’s needs effectively.
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3. Care,
learning and play: The Registered person meets children’s individual needs and promotes
their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop
children’s emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.
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about this Standard
4. Physical environment: The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose.
They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children
and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote
their development.
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5. Equipment: Furniture, equipment
and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create
an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition,
well maintained and conform to safety standards.
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6. Safety: The Registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the
setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.
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out more about this Standard
7. Health: The Registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive
steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.
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out more about this Standard
8. Food and drink: Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate
quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies
with dietary and religious requirements.
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9. Equal opportunities: The Registered person and staff actively promote equality
of opportunity and anti-
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this Standard
10. Special needs (inc. special educational needs and disabilities):
The Registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is proactive
in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified
or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development
of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant
parties.
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11. Behaviour: Adults caring for children
in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children’s behaviour in a way
which promotes their welfare and development.
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12. Working in partnership with parents and carers: The Registered person and staff
work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children, both individually
and as a group. Information is shared.
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13. Child protection: The Registered person complies with local child protection
procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults
working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures
into practice.
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14. Documentation:
Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management
of the provision, and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained.
Records about individual children are shared with the children’s parent.
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more about this Standard
Annex A
Babies/children under 2: These are additional Criteria to be met by childminders wishing to care for babies
Annex B
Overnight care: These are additional criteria to be met by childminders wishing to care for children overnight.