Development and Support

BAND's Development and Support (DS) team work with voluntary, private, independent and maintained group childcare providers to ensure that their settings (whether before or after school, holiday playschemes, nurseries or pre-school groups) provide good quality sustainable childcare. The DS team is also available to work with providers to develop new childcare provisions.

Photo of a group of children hugging and building a den.

Bristol City Council have appointed the BAND DS team to provide all Bristol-based group childcare providers (existing and potential) with advice and guidance on meeting Ofsted childcare requirements. This includes registration advice and pre and post inspection support.

The DS team has developed, and continues to update a range of sample policies and procedures that promotes good practice and meet legal requirements. These sample documents are available for providers to use as a basis for creating documents which suits the needs of their setting.

Photo of three girls making bubbles in a field.

The DS team have a wide range of skills with which they can support providers. In addition to playwork and childcare, these skills include finance, fundraising, business planning, employment, recruitment, personnel, crisis management, marketing and publicity. If the Development and Support team are unable to assist with a particular issue they will be able to signpost to the most appropriate source of help.

BAND's full member settings are further supported by the DS team with an annual monitoring visit, and annual finance health check and support for management committees following their AGM.

OfSTED VOLUNTARY CHILDCARE REGISTER (VCR)

Does your organisation provide: If you answer YES to any of the above questions you may be eligible to register on the OFSTED VOLUNTARY CHILDCARE REGISTER. Registration could benefit your organisation in many ways, including: DO YOU WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
Contact Julie Bassett tel: 0117 954 2148 e: julie@bandltd.org.uk

Bristol City Council Common Assessment Framework and Integrated Working Training

Module 1: This free training provides an introduction to Integrated Working, the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), and the role of the Lead Professional. It is aimed at managers and practitioners working in the voluntary, community and independent sector, child minders, play and child care workers.
Tuesday March 23rd 2010, 6.30pm - 8.45pm. The Vassell Centre, David Hiatt Conference Hall, The Vassell Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2QQ. Or:
Tuesday June 8th 2010, 6.30pm - 8.45pm. South Bristol Sports Centre, West Town Lane, Hengrove, Bristol, BS14 9EA.
There will be a further session in the autumn. To book a place please contact ben.lawson@bristol.gov.uk.

Photo of several young children making things at a low table.



For further information please contact BAND's Childcare Managers, Julie Edwards T: 0117 954 2134, e: julieme@bandltd.org.uk and Jenny Winfield T: 0117 914 3038 e: jenny@bandltd.org.uk







Development and Sustainability Funding for Financial Years 2009-10

Bristol City Council have now confirmed that funds are available for development and sustainability of childcare groups.

Development Funding
The criteria for Development Funding apply to:

Sustainability Funding
Childcare settings experiencing financial difficulties may be eligible for Sustainability Funding.

If you would like further information about how to apply for either of these grants, please contact: Julie Edwards, Childcare Manager, Tel: 0117 9542134, Email: julieme@bandltd.org.uk 

Sustainability Advice

Are you aware that our DS team offer support and guidance around:

Please contact your dedicated DS worker for further advice.

If you don’t have a dedicated DS worker please contact the Childcare Managers Julie Edwards (tel 0117 9542134, email julieme@bandltd.org.uk or Jenny Winfield (tel 0117 9143038, email jenny@bandltd.org.uk

Tax Credits

Are your families eligible for help with their childcare costs?  Information about financial support can be found on the following websites:

One to one support and advice can be obtained from the Information Advice and Guidance Worker based at your local Children’s Centre. Visit www.askcyps@bristol.gov.uk  or tel 0845 1297217

Safe From Bullying

The Government issued two new guidance documents in April on anti-bullying. Young people and parents say bullying is among their top concerns. Bullying can make the lives of victims a misery; it can undermine their confidence and self esteem and can destroy their sense of security.

The Government, in line with the five Every Child Matters outcomes, has made tackling bullying a key priority. They want whole communities, along with all services for children and young people, to work together to change the culture, so that a strong clear message is being delivered that bullying is and always will be unacceptable. The guidance can be downloaded from www.dcsf.gov.uk/behaviour/

Changes to Holiday Entitlement from April 2009

There is a minimum entitlement to paid holiday and from 1st April 2009 the annual entitlement for full time workers increased to 5.6 weeks (28 days).  Part-time workers will be entitled to the same level of holiday on a pro rata basis.  The holiday entitlement is inclusive of bank holidays.  There are obvious cost implications for providers and  the DS team is able to provide advice and guidance. For further details: www.direct.gov.uk/Employment/Employees/Timeoffandholidays and www.acas.org.uk

CRB Records

CRB Records
Providers should check that they do not keep CRB certificates (originals or copies) for their staff.    Instead, providers should keep a list which shows the following information:

For further information please contact the DS team.

Graduate Leader Fund

There is a requirement for private, voluntary and independent (pvi) sector full daycare providers to employ an Early Years Professional by 2015.   Early Years Professional status (EYPS) is equivalent to Qualified Teacher Status. The Government has set up the Graduate Leader Fund (GLF) to support pvi settings to enable staff to gain EYPS.

There are several routes to gaining EYPS, ranging from 39 months to 4 months, depending on the trainee’s existing level of qualification.  If the trainee needs to take the 39 month route, it makes sense to start this as soon as possible so that the trainee has EYPS by 2015.

Training providers are located in Bristol, Bath and Weston super Mare and training is also provided through the Open University. Funding is available through Bristol City Council – for further information and/or application forms please see: www.bristol-cyps.org.uk/early/graduate-leader-fund.html
www.bristol-cyps.org.uk/early/qualifications.html

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Independent Safeguarding Authority Vetting & Barring Scheme

Strong safeguards to protect children and vulnerable adults were set out in greater detail by the Government in March 2009 ahead of the launch of the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS).
Starting in October 2009:

Area

Action

Two barring lists will be administered by a single organisation, the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), rather than the three lists currently maintained by two different Government departments: Protection Of Children Act (POCA), Protection of Vulnerable Adults (PoVA) and List 99;

None

The introduction of ‘regulated activities’ – people included in the new barred lists by the ISA will be barred from a much wider range of jobs and activities than has been the case under previous arrangements.  This is particularly so in areas of work with vulnerable adults such as the NHS.

Groups will need to check that any workers currently working in any of the new ‘regulated activities’ have had a Enhanced CRB check.

A new duty to share information - employers, social services and professional regulators will have to notify the ISA of relevant information so individuals who pose a threat to vulnerable groups can be identified and barred from working with these groups.

Groups will need to notify ISA of any concerns they have about a member of staff, volunteer or management committee as to their suitability to work with children or vulnerable adults.

New criminal offences – it will become a crime for a barred individual to seek or undertake work with vulnerable groups; and for employers knowingly to take them on.

Groups should not allow an individual to commence employment until all checks have been completed.   

From July 2010

Area

Action

All new entrants to roles working with vulnerable groups and those switching jobs to a new provider within these sectors will be able to register with the VBS and be assessed by the ISA

Groups should ensure anyone new working in ‘regulated activities’ has a CRB & ISA check, this will be possible using the same form, there will be additional cost.

Employers will be able to check registration status online and will be able to subscribe to be notified if an employee’s registration status changes.

Groups can start to register with VBS

From November 2010


Area

Action

Legal requirement for employees to register with the VBS

Groups must ensure anyone new working in ‘regulated activities’ has a CRB & ISA check, this will be possible using the same form, there will be additional cost.

Legal requirement for employers to check the status of all new employees.

Groups must register with VBS

For further information and facts sheets on Regulated and Controlled activities please visit the ISA website: www.isa-gov.org If you have any questions or queries about the Vetting and Barring Scheme or the role of the ISA then please get in touch with them by calling their contact centre on Tel:  0300 123 1111.
Alternatively please feel free to contact them with any queries you may have using the following address: scheme.info@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.

Maternity Rights Changes

Maternity Rights Changes Changes to maternity rights came into effect on 5th October 2008 – these changes also affect maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave and unpaid parental leave. Women are entitled to 52 weeks maternity leave irrespective of the length of service or the number of hours they work and this is split into 2 periods, ordinary and additional maternity leave. Entitlement to benefits that can be accrued during these 2 periods e.g. contractual annual leave, is now the same for both periods. It is very important to get the details right when dealing with these issues for staff and definitely worth settings taking advice to make sure they are acting legally. For further information: ACAS helpline: 0845 474747 or visit www.acas.org.uk 

New Dispute Guidelines

New Dispute Guidelines From April 2009 guidelines for dealing with disciplinary and grievance procedures come into effect. ACAS have published a new semi-voluntary revised Code of Practice and new 2009 guidance notes for dealing with ‘Discipline & Grievances at Work’.
For further details please contact ACAS 08457 47 47 47 or visit www.acas.org.uk  or contact the DS team at BAND.

New Safeguarding Unit

A new national safeguarding unit for the third sector in England, VCS Engage, has been established by the NSPCC and Children England working closely with a number of delivery partners. Their vision is for all children and young people taking part in organised voluntary activities to be safe from harm.

Action plans will be developed by the Unit for each region, taking into account the needs and existing resources highlighted in each regional audit and avoiding the duplication of scarce resources. For further details please contact: Fiona Phur on 01823 347958.

Ofsted Clarification Regarding Insurance Cover for Parent Volunteers and their Children

Some providers encourage parent volunteers to work at their setting; sometimes these parent volunteers also bring their other children with them.  Providers need to ensure that insurance and Ofsted requirements are still met.

Providers should always check with their insurance providers to check that their insurance covers this situation.  Generally insurance policies state that settings need to follow Ofsted regulations.  Ofsted state that if the parent volunteer is a regular volunteer at the setting and is counted as part of the staff ration responsible for the children, they cannot give their full commitment to working with the other children if they have to look after their own children as well. Therefore the parent’s child will need to be counted in the child:staff ratios and within the conditions of the Ofsted registration re ages and numbers.

Contact the DS team for advice and guidance or Ofsted o 0845 6404040 or visit www.ofsted.gov.uk

Ofsted and Freedom of Information Act

Local authorities have been asked to ensure that all childcare providers are aware of an issue concerning Ofsted and the Freedom of Information Act.

In 2005 Ofsted received a request, under the Freedom of Information Act, from a company called Laing & Buisson.  The information requested was for a range of information about registered day care settings, including the address of the setting and the name of the manager.   Following an appeal by Laing & Buisson, Ofsted were required to provide this information.

For further information or any concerns you may have about this issue contact Ofsted tel 0845 6404040 or visit www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Ofsted Briefing Sessions for Childcare Providers

Ofsted Briefing Sessions will be held at BAND over the next few months as follows:

Refresher Sessions for providers that are already registered on the Early Years and Compulsory Childcare Registers: These Sessions are now fully booked, however additional sessions will be run in 2010. Once details have been confirmed we will update this page.

EYFS REFRESHER Session: for organisations who have already attended briefing session before.
Tuesday 15th December 2009 – 7.00pm. – 9.30 p.m.

Attendance on any of these briefing sessions must be pre-booked and places are limited to two representatives from each setting.  If you would like further information please contact: Julie Edwards, Tel: 0117 9542134, Email: julieme@bandltd.org.uk or Julie Bassett, Tel: 0117 9542148, email Julie@bandltd.org.uk

Notifying Ofsted of Changes to Management

We have been advised that if Ofsted have tried, and failed on several occasions, to make contact with the Nominated Person at any setting, that setting will automatically be de-registered.    Providers are requested to ensure that they submit EY2’s and EY3’s to Ofsted whenever there are changes to their management and keep Ofsted up to date and to meet the legal requirements. EY2’s and EY3’s are available to download from the Ofsted website or can be obtained from BAND. Visit www.ofsted.gov.uk

Ofsted Whistleblowing

Ofsted is trialling a whistleblower hotline to help protect children. Those working with children can now report any concerns they have about incorrect workplace methods which they believe could put children at risk. Whistleblowing means employees can quickly and easily raise concerns about practices or procedures for safeguarding children, rather than making a formal complaint.

To contact the hotline call 08456 404046, email: whistleblowing@ofsted.gov.uk or write to: WBHL, Royal Exchange Buildings, St. Ann’s Square, Manchester. M2 7LA.

A charity called Public Concern at Work gives free and confidential advice and can help you decide whether and/or how to raise your concerns at work first. Call them on: 020 7404 6609, email: helpline@pcaw.co.uk or visit: www.pcaw.co.uk/law/uklegislation.htm

Ofsted Fees Increase

Providers of group childcare registered on the Early Years Register should note that Ofsted fees have increased from 1st September 2009. Group childcare providers who operate for three or more hours each day, but less than five days a week and/or less than 45 weeks a year will be charged £30 for the initial application and £30 for annual registration fees. Group childcare providers who operate for three or more hours each day and for five or more days a week and 45 or more weeks a year will be charged £200 for the initial application and £200 for annual registration fees. For further details please visit: www.ofsted.gov.uk or tel 0845 6404040

Recent Ofsted Inspections

Recent Ofsted inspections have highlighted the following issues

Many settings already do this but also need to show which areas of Learning and Development the different activities fulfil. There are lots of opportunities children will encounter on a day to day basis that will be meeting these goals. Contact the DS team for advice and support.

Please contact the DS team for further advice and support.

Ofsted Complaints Commitment

Ofsted have launched a new Complaints Commitment which took place with effect from May 2009.   Details are as follows:

Providers should ensure that they keep a complaints log, even if there are no complaints and the log is empty. Ffi visit www.ofsted.gov.uk or contact the DS team for advice.

Parents’ Poster

It is now an Ofsted requirement that settings provide parents/carers with the Ofsted address as well as the telephone number and so the “Parent Poster” has been updated to show this information.   Ofsted aren’t issuing paper copies of the poster, but it may be downloaded from the Ofsted website.  Alternatively settings could stick a label with the Ofsted address on to their existing poster. Please visit: www.ofsted.gov.uk

SEF Token

The Self Evaluation Form (SEF) token is a password that enables a provider to access its own SEF on the Ofsted website.  Some providers haven’t received a SEF token yet, and should make contact with Ofsted as soon as possible.  Details of the SEF token can be obtained by writing to or emailing Ofsted (quoting the setting’s Ofsted registration number).  There is also a separate telephone helpline for SEF enquiries but password information cannot be given over the telephone.  Email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk or tel 0845 6404045

Qualifications for playworkers at City of Bristol College

The Playwork Foundation Degree at City of Bristol College has been developed specifically for those currently working, or who aspire to work, as managers or co-ordinators of playwork settings and other settings that offer services for children aged 4-16.  The course covers the underpinning knowledge and skills needed to work as a manager in such settings, and enhances professional practice and support to enable playworkers to become reflective practitioners.

During the course, which is studied over two years and involves two days in College alongside a professional or placement playwork setting, students develop the ability to communicate ideas, principles, arguments and analysis effectively in both speech and writing.

FFI contact the College on 0117 312 5211, email HEinformation@cityofbristol.ac.uk, or visit www.cityofbristol.ac.uk/coursefinder

Skills Active Playwork People Online Survery

SkillsActive's biennial survey of the playwork workforce, is available to be completed online. To access the survey please visit: http://www.skillsactive.com/survey/PP4/employee/

 This survey is for everyone who works in playwork, whether full-time or part-time, paid or voluntary. SkillsActive are interested in all types of settings (e.g. adventure playgrounds, mobile play services, play centres, out-of-school clubs). 

It is essential that as many people take part as possible in order to gain a good representation of job roles across the playwork workforce. Those completing the survey can be assured that the results will be totally confidential and will be analysed anonymously.

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