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 Julie Bassett T: 0117 954 2148 e: julie@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.




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.

EYFS Briefing Sessions

As part of our series of regular briefings held to support settings in being compliant with the Ofsted requirements and in achieving improved Ofsted inspection judgments, we have now arranged sessions for January, February and March 2012 as follows:

All sessions will be held at the BAND office. Places are limited to two participants per setting and bookings taken on a first come first served basis. To book your place please complete downloadable booking form.

Please note that these briefings will focus on the EYFS as it is currently being implemented. These are NOT briefings to introduce the new framework. When information about the new framework is released we will hold briefing sessions to ensure that all settings are aware of their responsibilities - these will be advertised separately.

Ofsted Seeks Your Views

Ofsted is proposing to change the way it registers and inspects early years providers, following the recent review of the revised EYFS (which the Government intends to publish in September).

A consultation has been set up to seek the views of all interested parties about the proposals which aim to:

The consultation document (not to be confused with the EYFS consultation) is available to download from the Ofsted website: www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/110152 or may be completed electronically on www.surveymonkey.com/s/ofsted-ey2012.

The closing date for the consultation is 6th April 2012.

Door Guards - are yours in place?

In December a Norwich nursery, where a toddler had the tip of his finger amputated after it got caught in a door which was not protected with a guard, was ordered to pay a total of £75,000 in fines and costs for breaching health and safety laws.

Judge Peter Jacobs said that all nurseries should ensure that door guards were fitted at their premises as a matter of course and said: "Every local authority should send out a directive to every single nursery to put up door guards and told that if not, they are committing an offence and could be taken to magistrates court and fined."

It is essential that all childcare providers safeguard the wellbeing of children in their care by installing appropriate safety equipment throughout their premises. This safety equipment must be regularly monitored and maintained, with records kept as part of the risk assessment which, in turn, should be reviewed at least annually.

Check now that your setting has door guards in place and if not, take immediate action. For further information and guidance contact your BAND Development and Support Worker (if you have one) or the BAND Childcare Managers: Julie Bassett (01217 954 2148) and Julie Edwards (0117 954 2134).

Equal Opportunities Policy Update

BAND has recently revised its sample Equal Opportunities Policy to take account of changes to Equalities Legislation. As with all BAND sample policies and procedures, settings must carefully read the sample and ammend it to suit their setting. To obtain a copy of this revised sample policy, or for support with ammendments, please contact your DS worker (if you have one) or Julie Bassett, Childcare Manager (tel 0117 9542148).

Recent Ofsted Inspections

Ofsted inspections in Bristol during 2011 highlighted the following issues:
Learning and Development Requirements:

Welfare Requirements: If you are uncertain whether your setting is meeting these requirements, please contact the DS team for advice and support.

Proposed Changes to the Entitlement to Free Early Education and Childcare Sufficiency

The Department of Education (DofE) has launched a consultation to seek views on the following proposals about revisions to free early education for two, three and four year old's:

The consultation documents can be completed on-line or downloaded as hard copy from: http://www.education.gov.uk/consultations. The consultation period ends 3rd February 2012.

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 & Support Worker or the Childcare Managers, Julie Edwards/Julie Bassett.

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 Awareness Seminar

Child-Safe, a local charity supported by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary, have announced two new dates for their Child Protection Awareness Seminar.

The seminars, which are free to committee members/trustees/owners, staff or volunteers of organisations working with children will be held on 10th January 2012 and 13th March 2012.

For venue, content and booking information: email: childsafe@avonandsomerset.police.uk; Tel: 01275 816133; website: www.child-safe.org.uk.

New 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 & 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:

Applying for a School Place

Parents who live in Bristol with children born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 who may start school in September 2012, should be aware that the closing date for applying for school places is fast approaching. All the information needed can be found here in this year's Primary Booklet at the Bristol Admissions page www.bristol.gov.uk/page/primary-admissions. One of the best ways to apply for a place is to complete the online form. The form can be found HERE admissions.bristol-cyps.org.uk/prefs.php. School Admissions will be running 'support' sessions for online applications in some Children's Centres. As it is not always possible for a child to go to a first preference school (many schools in Bristol are over subscribed) parents are strongly encouraged to list 3 schools. In general the closer a school is to home the higher chance a child has of getting a place as 'over subscription' criteria are applied and places are allocated firstly to children in care, then siblings (of children who will still be in the school in September 2012) and finally on home -school distance. The closing date is midnight on 15th January 2012 but don't wait until the last minute! If you have any queries please ring or email School Admissions: 0117 903 7694 or School.admissions@bristol.gov.uk. APPLY NOW!

Development and Sustainability Funding

We have received notification from Bristol City Council's Children and Young People's Service that Development and Sustainability Funding is now available for group childcare settings (both under and over 5's) in the pvi sector.

The Development Funding is available for the development of new settings and also for the expansion of existing settings. Various criteria have to be met and applicants need to prove that there is a definite need for childcare within their locality.

Sustainability Funding is available for providers who are experiencing difficulties or have an unexpected emergency for which funding is required.

Applications forms to access the funding are available either from your Development & Support Worker (if you have one allocated) or from Julie Edwards (email julieme@bandltd.org.uk or tel 0117 9542134). The closing date for applications is 9 March 2012.

DfE consultation on the EYFS recommendations from the Tickell review

Please see link below for further information: www.education.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1747&external=no&menu=1

Ofsted have moved offices

Their new 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

We have been trying to clarify the statement on pg 22 of the Statutory Framework for the EYFS regarding reportable allegations involving members of staff. 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.

CRB Checks Scaled Back

Following the halt of the implementation of the Vetting and Barring System a new system will come into force in 2012 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 CRB 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/crime/vetting-barring-scheme

Bristol LADO Change of Information Sept 2011

The telephone numbers for the Bristol Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) are now as follows:

There is no longer a requirement to show the name of the LADO in your documentation - the telephone numbers are all that is required.
Please amend your Child Protection Policy accordingly and/or anywhere else where the LADO's details are listed. Ofsted are picking up on this during inspections.

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 Julie Bassett (tel 0117 9542148, email julie@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

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 Update

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.

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.

The Government's Graduate Leader Fund (GLF) which was set up to support pvi settings to enable staff to gain EYPS has now come to an end. As soon as decisions have been made about what will replace this support in the pvi Early Years sector, information will be posted on Bristol City Council's Website: www.bristol.gov.uk/page/graduate-leader-fund.

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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.

Ofsted Complaints Commitment

Ofsted now have a revised Complaints Commitment which relates to complaints made against registered childcare providers. Their commitment will give parents and carers easy, quick and up-to-date access to complaints information; they will no longer have to wait for an inspection to take place. 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.

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