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.

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 954 2144 E: jenny@bandltd.org.uk

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

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



Calling All Cooks

Does your setting employ a cook who makes the meals and snacks for the children? If so, they may be interested in some training being delivered at BAND by Jessica Williams, Health Promotion Specialist, Early Years, NHS Bristol. This two session course will support cooks in meeting the 'Eat Better, Start Better' Voluntary Food and Drink Guidelines for Early Years Settings. It will include food and recipe tasting/sampling.

First session - overview and understanding the guidelines.
Second session - menu planning using the tools and information gained from the first session.

Participants will be given new ideas for recipes and dishes suitable for children aged one to five including menus for vegetarian's and for culturally diverse diets. Each participant will be given a free set (normal price £20) of the guidelines and the two seasonal recipe books ( Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter).

Course dates and times: 4th and 11th June 2013, 5.00 - 8.00pm. Participants must attend both sessions. To book a place for your cook, please contact Fenella on 0117 9542165 or email fenella@bandltd.org.uk

New Safeguarding Guidance

From 15th April 2013 the new guidance 'Working together to safeguard children 2013 will come into effect, this has been published by the Dept for Education and replaces the guidance from 2010 with the same name. It is a more condensed 97 page document that also replaces 'The framework for the assessment of children in need and their families (2000)' and 'Statutory guidance on making arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children under section 11 of the Children Act 2004 (2007)'. The guidance removes the requirement to undertake separate initial and core assessments and requires serious case reviews to be published on LSCB websites for 12 months. To download the new document go to: https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/Working%20TogetherFINAL2.pdf . To read a summary of the new document go to: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/inform/research/briefings/Working_together_2013_wda95001.html

New Good Level of Development measure

Following trials of the new EYFSP assessment (for children in Reception Year) over the summer, the Government has now set out how the new "Good" Level of Development measure will be defined. From 2013, children will be defined as having reached a "good" level of development at the end of the EYFS if they achieve at least the expected level in:

As Dame Clare Tickell's review of the EYFS made clear, the prime areas of learning are essential for children's healthy development. The Government also believes that a good foundation in mathematics and literacy is crucial for later success, particularly in terms of children's readiness for school. We want to encourage schools to strengthen children's knowledge and understanding in all these important areas. However, all areas of learning within the EYFS are important and the GLD measure will be supported by a measure of the average of the cohort's total point score across all the early learning goals in order to also help to promote the attainment of all children across all the early learning goals.

Government Consultation: Introduction of Early Years Teachers and Early Years Educators

The Government wants to make sure there is more great childcare available for parents and children. Elizabeth Truss, MP, in her report "More Great Childcare" states that the introduction of Early Years Teachers (Graduate) and Early Years Educators (Level 3) will support early years' providers to ensure those who work with babies and young children become increasingly skilled and professional. The Teaching Agency has been asked to consult on new, tougher 'full and relevant' criteria to underpin new Early Years Educator qualifications from September 2014. The Teaching Agency would like to hear your views on the draft criteria. You can do this by taking part in the consultation, which is open until 22 April 2013 at http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/departmentalinformation/consultations

Proposed changes to childcare staffing - Government consultation information

You may have heard the news that staff:child ratios for childcare providers will change and that qualification requirements will increase. This information has come out of the report "More Great Childcare" published by Elizabeth Truss, MP, The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Education and Childcare on 29th January. This report sets out her plan of action for how the Government will achieve its vision of a dynamic childcare market, delivering high quality early education. The report incorporates the Government's response to Professor Cathy Nutbrown's independent review Foundations for Quality.

The full report "More Great Childcare" can be downloaded from https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/More%20Great%20Childcare%20v2.pdf

At the moment these changes are proposals, pending the outcome of a Government consultation, but the report has already provoked some well-argued debate against the proposals. See Nursery World (http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/rss/1168614/More-Great-Childcare-Interview-Elizabeth-Truss) for a synopsis of the key points and the arguments.

It is important that childcare providers and other interested parties (parents, local authorities, etc.) respond to the consultation which only runs until 25th March 2013. The consultation document and response form is available at: http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/departmentalinformation/consultations/a00220966/early-educ-childcare-staff-deploy

Questionnaire for providers working with 0-5 years

A short questionnaire on interaction with parents. Life Skills are currently running a project on behalf of NHS Bristol which looks at injury prevention and children. They are trying to find out the best ways of circulating messages to parents and are hoping to gain some feedback from nurseries on the type of interaction they already have with their parents. They would be very grateful if could you complete this very short questionnaire and email it back to gemma@lifeskills-bristol.org.uk. It should take no more than a couple of minutes.

  1. Are you currently giving out any information or advice to parents that doesn't directly relate to your nursery (e.g. advice on healthy eating, alcohol abuse etc). Please list any details.
  2. If yes, how is this carried out (e.g. leaflets available for parents to take home, newsletters etc)
  3. Do your nursery staff ever talk directly to parents to give them information or advice on non-nursery specific issues (e.g. advice on quitting smoking, learning first aid etc). Please give details
Thank you for your help. Gemma Graville, Lifeskills - Learning for Living, The CREATE Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN. Tel: 0117 9224511

Updates to Your Child Protection Policy

We know that the last few months have been filled with the changes you have all had to make regarding the EYFS 2012, and like yourselves we have been running to keep up in terms of policy updates and implementing best practice. Because the EYFS 2012 is still so new we are constantly reviewing the changes we are making to policies to ensure they are at a minimum compliant and hopefully support you to achieve the best possible outcome at inspection. We have recently reviewed the child protection policy again, in light of inspection reports that have been published, and have decided to add in an extra reference to a separate photography, video, mobile phone and e-safety policy. This is due to the EYFS stating that 'The safeguarding policy and procedures must include an explanation of the action to be taken in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff, and cover the use of mobile phones and cameras in the setting.' We have decided that, to cover use of mobile phones and cameras etc in detail, we would write a separate policy, hence the reference being needed in the child protection policy.

If you have a separate stand alone policy for this and want to reference it in your child protection policy, we used the words 'This setting is aware of the risks associated with the use of mobile phones and cameras in the setting. To manage this appropriately we have a separate policy regarding the use of these devices.' We would also advise that any changes to policies are discussed with your staff team to ensure they are fully up to speed about what they need to do within their role, particularly regarding child protection issues.

If you need any further support regarding this or any other policy issues, contact your development and support worker, or Jenny Winfield; jenny@bandltd.org.uk.

Ofsted's Regulation of Before, After School and Holiday Clubs

Ofsted have recently published a guidance leaflet which clarifies what they expect breakfast, after school and holiday clubs to do to meet the EYFS Learning and Development Requirements.
The guidance leaflet "Regulating provision made before and after school or during school holidays" is available from the Ofsted website (www.ofsted.gov.uk) reference no. 120378

Risk Assessments

Information given in the revised EYFS 2012 Framework about the need for risk assessments and written evidence is unclear. Ofsted have just published guidance to clarify what is required. The Ofsted guidance is publication no. 120334 Requirements for risk assessment; it may be downloaded from the Ofsted website www.ofsted.gov.uk (put the reference no. in the Ofsted search box) or ask your DS worker for information and support.

Creating an Attitude of Inclusion

Online training resource called 'Creating an Attitude of Inclusion' FREE until March 2013. Created by National Charity KIDS and simple to work through, it covers areas such as disability awareness, barriers, specific impairments, social, communication and behavioral difficulties and good practice. Aimed at schools but very useful for afterschool settings and some transferable to early years settings. http://www.kids.org.uk/information/107490/kids_launches_free_elearning_for_schools/.

Opportunities to be involved in a new injury prevention scheme

Lifeskills has been commissioned by NHS Bristol to carry out a study on injury prevention and are looking for local nurseries who would be interested in testing the pilot for a new scheme.

The aim of the study is to determine if nurseries are able to provide a brief intervention to parents on injury prevention. This is a very basic process whereby staff approach parents to ask if they want more details on injury prevention and, if so, provide them with details of a website.

This kind of approach has proved very successful when used for alcohol and smoking messages but it is the first time anyone has looked into using it for injury prevention.

There are two stages that we need nurseries to be involved in.

I would also like to hold a meeting following the trial to get additional feedback from those nurseries who participated. Again, details of this will be sent out closer to the time.

Please can you let me know if you are interested in participating in any of the above. Currently, timescales will be as follows:

If you are interested in taking part, please contact Gemma Graville either by email gemmag@lifeskills-bristol.org.uk or by phone on 0117 9224511. Please can you state which nursery you are from and which part/s of the project you would like to be involved in. If you would like to attend the initial focus group meeting then please can you give an indication of which times (e.g. morning, afternoon, evening) and dates are best for you.

BAND symbol based software

BAND has recently added Makaton to it's suite of Symbol Based Software. It is easy to use and all settings can come to the BAND office to access it with support from the DS team. Just call your DS worker or Joe in the office in advance. To get the ball rolling, BAND have been working together with Kate Hubble, Lead Teacher for North 3, to create sets of Makaton signs to support:

These have been created for early years settings, but the majority of the signs will be suitable for over 5's settings as well. We can tailor lists of signs to your needs too. Just contact us and let us know what might be useful to you. Signs to support planning and snacktime are here for you to download and use in your setting: We would recommend you print them off as an A3 poster if you are able. We have a pack of all the documents ready to send to you, just email your DS worker or sarah@bandltd.org.uk You can use Boardmaker or Communicate in Print to print off lists of symbols as well, Kate suggested you could have the makaton sign on the back of any symbol cards you use with children. So as staff show the card to the child, they are reminded of the makaton symbol. Fancy trying to make some up? Contact us!

EYFS 2012 INSPECTION

The first Ofsted inspection reports, under the new EYFS 2012 framework have just been published, although none yet from Bristol. We have picked out a few inspection reports to represent examples of Good and Satisfactory judgements awarded to Pre Schools and Nurseries. These reports clearly state what the inspectors have been focussing on, for example:

The inspection reports give information about why the setting has been awarded a particular judgement and why it hasn't been awarded the next grade up.

Detailed information about the findings of the inspection is given under the headings:

It is very clear that out of school settings are being inspected on the learning and development requirements of the EYFS.

For full details of the contents of these inspection reports, click on the following links: Pre-school and nursery settings - Satisfactory:

Pre-school and nursery settings - Good Out of School setting - Good:

EYFS 2012 policy and procedure updates (continued)

Additional sample documents to meet the revised requirements of the EYFS 2012 are now available - these are:

Documents are available electronically - please contact Jenny Winfield (tel: 0117 9542144 or email jenny@bandltd.org.uk). Settings should note that the documents are intended as a template only and must be amended by the setting as appropriate.

EYFS 2012 policy and procedure updates

BAND has been updating its sample policies, procedures and forms etc., to bring them in line with the revised requirements of the EYFS 2012. Information about the availability of updated documents will appear on this website over the next few days. At the moment, the following updated documents are available for settings:

Documents are available electronically - please contact Jenny Winfield (tel: 0117 9542144 or email jenny@bandltd.org.uk). Settings should note that the documents are intended as a template only and must be amended by the setting as appropriate.

Ofsted Updates

Ofsted will be sending all childcare providers a letter explaining how some of the main changes to regulation will affect providers; this information includes the checking of managers, conditions of registration and publication of revised documents.

As the standard conditions of registration (numbers and ages children) will be removed from registration certificates from 1st September, Ofsted have produced a new guidance document to support providers in calculating the number and aged of children they may care for. The document “The numbers and ages of children that providers on the Early Years and Childcare Registers may care for” may be downloaded from Ofsted website (www.ofsted.gov.uk) by inserting reference no. 080293 in the Ofsted search box.

Updated Ofsted Guidance Information

Ofsted have updated their guidance for inspectors carrying out inspections from September 2012 in line with the revised EYFS 2012 requirements and the revised Regulation and Inspection arrangements. Both documents can be downloaded from the Ofsted website (www.ofsted.gov.uk) by putting the appropriate document reference number in the search box on the Ofsted home page. The information contained in both these documents is very important for providers.

Ofsted have now published some revised guidance documents to support providers in meeting the EYFS 2012 requirements and the revised arrangements around Regulation and Inspection:

These two guidance documents are available to download from the Ofsted website (www.ofsted.gov.uk) by typing in the ref. no. quoted above in the Ofsted website's search box.

Additional Revised Information Regarding Change of Manager
Anyone attending our EYFS 2012 briefings will have been advised that, whilst Ofsted will no longer check the suitability or carry out CRB disclosures on new Manager's (i.e. the senior person working directly with the children), providers are still required by law, to inform Ofsted of the change. We advised that providers are not required to give Ofsted the name of the new manager and therefore there is no need to use an EY3, although it would be sensible to email the notification to Ofsted to provide evidence of this action. Ofsted have now advised the following:

‘You (providers) may tell us in whatever way you choose but this must be within 14 days of the event. We have a form (EY3) that you may use. You do not need to give us the name and address of your new manager, but if you would like them to be able to communicate with us directly in the future, for example to complete the setting's SEF, then you will need to give us their contact details.’

Parents' Guide to the EYFS
As mentioned during BAND's EYFS 2012 briefing sessions, information is now available on the Foundation Years website to:

This information is available to download: visit http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/early-years-foundation-stage-2012 and scroll down the page to ‘EYFS for parents.’

Responsible for Recruitment?

BAND have developed a new resource to encourage diversity in the questions that are asked at formal interviews and to support settings in choosing and creating a set of interview questions that feel right for them. We are aware that many settings request interview questions from BAND, but this means that some candidates may be asked the same questions at interview. The resource is a clear and easy to use document with simple guidelines. You will be presented with a list of questions, you pick the questions that you think are useful, tick a yes, add in questions of your own and move quickly to print. Simple additions like where to put the candidates name, space to record responses and scores are already included for you. Press print and you are ready to go. The resource is targeted towards over 5 settings, however many of the questions and areas are transferable to early years settings as well. If you are the person responsible for recruitment in a setting, then email sarah@bandltd.org.uk if you would like a copy.

Door Guards - more information:

Following an incident in a Norwich nursery back in December, where a toddler had the tip of his finger amputated after it got caught in a door which was not protected with a guard, a number of settings have contacted BAND asking for advice about finger guards. Bristol City Council's Risk, Resilience and Wellbeing Manager has suggested door safety products from a company called Fingersafe as being appropriate for use in childcare settings. Ffi: www.fingersafegroup.com.

The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2012

The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2012 has been published and will ONLY be available as electronic copies which can be downloaded from the Department for Education website www.education.gov.uk. All associated guidance to the Statutory Framework will ONLY be available as electronic copies and can be downloaded from the Foundation Years website: www.foundationyears.org.uk.

Please note that the new framework comes into force on 1st September 2012; in the meantime providers still need to meet all requirements of the existing EYFS framework.
We have been advised that providers should make sure they keep the current EYFS pack as a lot of the information, including the Themes, Principles and Commitments, the poster etc are still to be used with the 2012 framework.

Find Your Nearest Children's Centre

From 1 February 2012 a new postcode database will be available at http://maps.bristol.gov.uk/cc_gaz. Any agency or individual will be able to access this and if a postcode is typed in the gazetteer will identify which Children's Centre reach area the address falls within, with contact details for that Children's Centre and additional information about the level of deprivation in that particular super output area.

Insurance Requirements for Medication

If your setting is insured through the BAND Group scheme, you must check that all care plans for children who need medication which could be described as intrusive (e.g. epipens, hypodermic injections, tube-administered medication) are signed by the prescribing doctor. If not signed, the insurance for that child will be invalid.

BAND has a sample care plan and sample GP letter which can be adapted by your setting.

If your setting is insured through a different provider, we recommend that you check this medication requirement with your insurance provider.

For further details and support please contact your allocated Development and Support Worker or the Childcare Managers, Julie Edwards/Jenny Winfield.

Health and Safety News

The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE)telephone information line service came to an end on 30th September 2011. Information and official guidance on a huge range of health and safety issues are available on the HSE website. All the HSE publications are available free of change and can be downloaded and printed. Changes to the way of reporting work related injuries and incidents under RIDDOR changed with effect from 12th September 2011. In future, only fatal and major incidents should be reported by phone; all other reporting must be submitted using online forms. Visit www.hse.gov.uk for full information.

Fundraising Advice at BAND

is available from:

Please contact either your allocated Development and Support Worker (if you have one) or the Childcare Managers, Julie Edwards and Julie Bassett.

Data Protection

All public and private organisations are legally obliged to protect any personal information they hold; this may require registration with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's independent authority with responsibility for data protection. There are a number of exemptions to registering and full details are available on the ICO website - www.ico.gov.uk (click on "for organisations" for an on-line self assessment).

Child Protection Training Requirements

The Government's publication of 'Working Together to Safeguard Children (WTSC)' sets out how organisations and individuals should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in accordance with the Children Act 1989 and the Children Act 2004.

Since its publication, there has been some confusion around the level of training to be accessed by practitioners from a variety of occupational groups. PEYTU, BAND, Bristol's Early Years and Childcare Service and Safeguarding Children's Board (BSCB) have been working together to simplify the message regarding access to training under the WTSC recommendations:

EY and Childcare staff who intend to progress their careers to become a designated person or manager may also wish to attend the BSCB Initial Inter-Agency. If further clarification is required, please contact:

Ofsted address is...

Ofsted, National Business Unit, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD. All correspondence, applications, CR2s etc. should be sent to this address. Anyone using pre-printed envelopes with the old address (Royal Exchange Building, St. Ann's Square) can still use this old address and the correspondence will be forwarded to the new address's. Obviously, it will be quicker and more efficient to use the new address where possible.

Reporting Serious Injuries to Ofsted

In Feb 2011, Ofsted published a factsheet for registered early years and childcare providers on when and how to inform Ofsted and local child protection agencies of deaths, serious accidents and/or injuries. This factsheet clarifies what constitute 'serious' and what reporting needs to be completed. To read the full factsheet you can access it by entering its reference number 110009 into the search facility on the Ofsted website www.ofsted.gov.uk

Reporting Serious Incidents to Ofsted

The framework states that 'registered providers must inform Ofsted of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by any person living, working, or looking after children at the premises...or any other abuse which is alleged to have taken place on the premises, and of the action taking in respect of these allegations'. Unfortunately there is little clarification regarding what constitutes serious harm or abuse, so we are now advising groups to report any incident or allegation that involves any member of staff or volunteer. Allegations involving members of staff currently need to be reported to the Local Authority Designation Officer (LADO) in the first instance for advice on how to proceed; these contact details should be in your child protection/safeguarding policy. These allegations also need to be reported to the Ofsted Helpline on 0300 1231231 and ask to speak to the compliance team. As with any contact with Ofsted we recommend you take the operator's name and make a note of the time and date you called for your records. You can also access more information on regional safeguarding procedures - in particular guidance on allegations involving a member of staff - on the SWCPP website www.swcpp.org.uk. Their guidance advises that 'Ofsted should be informed of any allegation or concern made against a member of staff in any day care establishment for children under 8 or against a registered child minder, a foster carer, prospective adopter or member of staff in a residential home. Ofsted should also be invited to take part in any subsequent strategy meeting'. If you have any queries regarding this or any other child protection issues you can contact your allocated development and support worker on their direct numbers or phone the BAND office on 0117 9542128.

DBS Checks (formerly CRB) Scaled Back

A new system will come into force in early 2013 which drastically reduces the scope of the Vetting and Barring service. Much of the detail of the system and timescales for implementation have yet to be revealed, however key points are:

BAND believes it's crucial that DBS checks are only seen as a part of protecting children and that it is essential that all settings have robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place. If you feel you need support to ensure you have robust systems in place then contact your development and support worker on their direct number or phone the BAND office on 0117 9542128. Ffi: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/dbs

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 9542144, 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. Click here to go to Bristol City Council Children and Young Peoples Service or tel 0845 1297217

DBS Records

Providers should check that they do not keep DBS 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.

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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 ratio 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 on 0300 1231231 or visit www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Ofsted Whistleblowing Update

Following it's trial and subsequent consultation, Ofsted have now set up a dedicated Whistleblowing Hotline to help protect children. It is staffed from 8am to 6pm Mondays to Fridays and can be accessed by telephone, email or post:

Revised Whistleblowing Guidance has also been published by Ofsted which outlines exactly what is whistleblowing and how it shouldn't be confused with a complaint or grievance. (visit: www.ofsted.gov.uk and insert 100036 in search box).

All organisations working with children must have appropriate whistleblowing procedures and a culture that enables issues about safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children to be addressed by the organisation. BAND has a sample Whistleblowing Policy available on request.

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