Statutory guidance

Summary of changes for childminders

Updated 19 January 2024

Applies to England

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2/summary-of-changes-for-childminders-applies-from-4-january-2024

Summary of changes for childminders, since the previous issued framework.

Childminders must:

  • be aware that further information has been provided in the framework on safeguarding responsibilities when childminders are working in a group, including a change on child protection language (Section 3, Safeguarding policies and procedures)
  • ensure the safeguarding policies and procedures at a setting include all electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities, not just mobile phones and cameras (Section 3, Safeguarding policies and procedures). As technology changes, you should consider a wider range of devices in your policies, for example smart watches.

Childminders may wish to consider applying the following flexibilities, if appropriate:

  • you will no longer be required to complete training on the EYFS prior to registration, however childminders will still need to demonstrate that they have the required knowledge of the EYFS at their pre-registration visit (Section 3, Safeguarding training)
  • where judged appropriate by a childminder, childminding assistants can now fulfil the role of a key person for children (Section 3, Key person)
  • childminders with open plan kitchen-living areas can now utilise safely useable areas within this room for their provision (Section 3, Indoor space requirements)
  • childminders may provide opportunities for children to develop and use their home language in play and learning, previously this requirement stated this ‘must’ be done (Section 1, English as an Additional Language)

Childminders should also be aware that the following updates have been made to the EYFS:

  • the language has been changed to clarify that physical evidence does not need to be collected for assessments (Section 2, Assessment)
  • the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) have been moved from the childminder EYFS to an annex, as childminders do not usually need to use these (Annex C, Early Learning Goals)
  • the section on assessment in the childminder framework has been significantly amended including removing information on the Reception Baseline Assessment which childminders never undertake (Section 2, Assessment at the end of the EYFS – the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP)
  • the wording has been changed on ‘suitable person’ to clarify that it is the responsibility of the childminder agency (CMA) or Ofsted to carry out suitability checks on behalf of the childminder (Section 3, Suitable people)
  • the wording has been changed on ‘confidential areas’ so rather than having a permanent area available, a suitable area is made available on request (Section 3, Organising premises for confidentiality and safeguarding)
  • the requirement for childminders to display a paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate has been removed, instead these are available on request (Section 3, Paediatric first aid)
  • a physical copy of the certificate of registration is no longer required to be displayed, a digital version can be used instead (Section 3, Information about the childminder)
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