Safeguarding in a Childminder setting (domestic or non-domestic premises) Q&A guide

Safeguarding means keeping children safe from harm and promoting their wellbeing.
In a childminder setting, this includes:

• Protecting children from abuse or neglect

• Ensuring a safe environment (secure premises, supervision, ratios)

• The childminder and any assistants know how to respond to concerns

• Supporting children’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs

It is a legal requirement under the Early Years Foundation stage statutory framework on this link.

Young children:

• Are more vulnerable to abuse and neglect

• Cannot always communicate when something is wrong

• Are completely dependent on adults to keep them safe

Early years providers play a key role in noticing changes in behaviour and acting quickly if there are concerns.

In England:

• Providers must follow the EYFS statutory framework

• They are usually inspected by Ofsted or a Childminder Agency (if registered via a childminder agency)

• They must follow national guidance such as the Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026.

These ensure children are cared for in a safe, structured, and well-monitored environment.

You should expect:

• Childminders are the settings Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Clear written safeguarding policies and procedures

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all childminders and assistants

• Regular safeguarding training (at least every 2 years)

• Procedures for:

• reporting concerns

• managing allegations

• online safety

• tracking absence

• Safe adult -to-child ratios.

At any one time, childminders (whether providing the childminding on domestic or non-domestic premises) may care for a maximum of 6 children under the age of eight. This includes the childminders own children if they are in the setting during childminding hours. The below ratios are for lone childminders, if a childminder works with a co childminder or assistant/s than the ratio can be doubled as along as the space permits.

Of these six children:

• A maximum of 3 children under the age of 5 years

• With only one of these children being under the age of 12 months

Note: If children aged 3 – 5 years only attend the childminding setting before and/or after a normal school day and or during school holidays, they may be cared for at the same time as 3 other young children. In all circumstances the total number of children under aged 8 years being cared for must not exceed 6 per person.   

About staff and training

• How often does the childminder and any assistants complete safeguarding training?

• What happens if a childminder or their assistant/s has concerns about a child?

• What happens if an assistant has concerns about the childminder?

About safety procedures

• How do you ensure children cannot leave your home/setting unnoticed?

• How do you ensure other members of your household or any person who may have regular contact with the children (for example, someone living or working on the same premises where the childminding is being provided) is suitable?

• What is your procedure if a child is injured or goes missing?

About recruitment and checks

• Have all assistants received their suitably check from Ofsted or their CMA?

• Do you obtain a reference for all your assistants?

About child protection

• What would you do if you suspected a child was being harmed?

• Who do you report concerns to (e.g. local authority/MASH)?

About wellbeing and inclusion

• How do you support children’s emotional wellbeing?
• How do you work with parents if there are concerns?

Environment 

• Entrance to home/setting is safe and secure

• Home or non-domestic premises are safe, clean and have well-maintained spaces/areas for the children including non-mobile babies

• No banned dog breed is kept or present on the childminder home/premises at any time.

• Stage/age-appropriate equipment which is regularly checked for safety

• A highchair or appropriately sized low chair is available/used for babies and young children to be seated safely in while eating

• All other indoor places that the childminder/assistant visits on a regular basis with the children (such as local playgroups, stay & play sessions, story/song times, soft play etc) are risk assessed and monitored regularly by the childminder

• All outdoor places that the childminder/assistant visits on a regular basis (such as parks, playgrounds, gardens etc) are risk assessed and monitored regularly by the childminder

Staff behaviour

• Childminder and assistant/s are attentive, calm, and engaged

• Positive interactions with children

• Children appear happy, settled, and confident

Organisation

• Good supervision and appropriate ratios

• Clear routines

• Childminder and assistants know children well

Safeguarding culture

• Policies are readily available

• Childminder and assistants confidently talk about safeguarding

• Safeguarding is clearly taken seriously and routinely discussed

They should:

• Monitor children’s behaviour and wellbeing

• Record and report concerns promptly

• Follow clear procedures if a child is at risk

• Work with other professionals (e.g. health visitors, social care)

• Maintain regular communication with parents

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check:

• Confirms whether someone has a criminal record

• Ensures they are safe to work with children

All staff and regular volunteers should have appropriate checks before working with children.

If a concern arises:

1. Childminder or assistant record observations

2. Assistant reports to the childminder (Designated Safeguarding Lead)

3. If necessary, concerns are referred to the local authority safeguarding team (MASH)

4. The child’s safety is always the priority

Good settings act quickly and follow clear procedures.

Parents play an important role by:

• Sharing relevant information about their child

• Asking questions and staying informed

• Raising concerns if something doesn’t feel right

• Working in partnership with the setting

Be alert if you notice:

• Poor communication from the childminder and or assistant/s

• Continual change of assistants

• Lack of clear policies

• Childminder or assistants unsure about safeguarding procedures

• Unexplained injuries or incidents

• Children appearing consistently distressed

Trust your instincts—it’s okay to ask questions or raise concerns.

You can:

• Discuss your concerns with the childminder

• Contact your local authority safeguarding team

• Raise concerns with Ofsted or Childminding Agency

If a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (999).

• Childminder and any assistants have a valid Ofsted approved full 12 hour Paediatric First Aid certification (renewed every 3 years)

• Assistants have received the Ofsted or Childminding Agency suitability check letter

• Assistants are only left alone with the children for no more than 2 hours per day and only with written consent from the parents/carers

• Supervision During Meals: When children are eating, they must be within the direct sight and hearing of an adult.

• Sleeping children must be regularly checked and within sight and hearing of the childminder and or assistant (this can be via a video/sound monitor)

• Safer sleep procedures are in place

A good Early Years setting will:

• Be open and transparent

• Take safeguarding seriously

• Have well-trained, confident staff

• Put the child’s safety and wellbeing first at all times