Legislation and Role of Regulatory Body

1.1 Outline the current legislation covering home based childcare and the role of regulatory bodies

As a home base childcare provider, I must ensure that the current legislations are carried out and practised according to the relevant governing bodies.

I must ensure that the requirements of the Children Act 2004 are met. It was put into place to improve the overall well-being in children and in later life. There are five outcomes that are key to achieving this. * Be healthy – so that they are physically, mentally and emotionally healthy and have a healthy lifestyle. * Staying safe – being protected from harm, neglect, accidental injury and death, bullying and discrimination, anti-social behaviour in and out of school, have security and stability and are cared for. * Enjoying and achieving – so that they are ready for school, attend and enjoy school and achieve personal and social development and enjoy recreation. Getting the most out of life and develop skills for adulthood. * Making a positive contribution – so that they support their community and environment, law-abiding and positive behaviour in and out of school, develop positive relationships and choose not to bully and discriminate. * Economic well-being – so that they can achieve their full potential in life through further education, employment and training and not be prevented by economic disadvantage.

I must ensure that under the Data Protection Act 1998, any personal paperwork concerning the children in my care are to be protected to ensure confidentiality, unless the parent/carer gives permission for it to be shared. I will make sure that I store the personal information and photographs in a cupboard/safe out of public viewing.

I must ensure that under the Equality Act 2010 that all the children in my care are treated fairly. Whether it is their race, religion and beliefs or no religion and belief, disabilities, and age. I will anticipate the needs and make reasonable adjustments to ensure their individual requirements are met.

I must ensure I adhere to the Children Act 1989 and establish the principle that a ‘child’s welfare is paramount’ in any decision made about their upbringing. I will make every effort to preserve a child’s home and family link and also introduce the notion of parental responsibility. The act protects the welfare of children charging local authorities with the duty to investigate if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child in the area to be suffering or likely to suffer harm and to protect services for children in need, their families and others.

In all cases I would try my upmost to make the child feel welcome and secure and give the parents the reassurance they may need.

Page 2.

The role of the Regulatory body

Ofsted is the regulatory body, their role is to ensure that children and young people receive the best possible care and the systems they have in place will also reassure parents and carers in the setting a child attends away from their home. They are independent and report directly to Parliament.

They act as a regulator, checking that a childcarer themselves, their home and the service they provide is suitable and safe to care for children and young people. They need to meet the learning and development requirements as set out in the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. If a childcare provider does not meet or continue to meet the required standards, they will direct them to take the necessary action to improve or they will not license them to operate.

These are an outlines of the role:
1. Registration – check on you and other adults that live with you and your premises. A home-based childcare course, first aid training will be required before registration, along with an enhanced disclosure issued by the Criminal Records Bureau which proves that the named person has no criminal convictions that would mean they were unsuitable to work and care for children. 2. Inspection – checks on you and your service once you are registered to discuss how you meet the welfare requirements, which include safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare, that you and the premises, environment and equipment are suitable, organisation and documentation. There is a report that they will produce which will be available on the website of the regulatory body and must be offered to parents. 3. Investigation – following a complaint or concern an inspector will carry out an inspection to make sure that you are meeting and complying with the welfare requirements. 4. Enforcement – If you do not meet the required standards of registration, action may be taken.