The EYFS is your primary statutory guidance, to read and understand before your registration visit.It is separated into 3 sections, with sign posts to additional statutory and non-statutory guidance throughout.
Section 1—The Learning and Development Requirements.
Section 2—The Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements.Section 3—The Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements.
Tip for Preparing:
Each checklist section references an EYFS requirement; these are just one of many relevant references throughout. As you work through this checklist, refer to the EYFS, see what other relevant requirements you can find and consider how you plan to comply with them.
What: You and every person over 16 in your household must have an enhanced DBS check, and submitted an EY2 form for each individual via your Ofsted account.
Also had your Health Declaration Form (signed by your GP), proof of ID and address, certificates, full employment history and qualifications ready.
Why it matters: Ofsted must be confident that your setting is safe for children. These checks help them assess suitability.
EYFS Requirement:
3.12 Enhanced criminal records checks and barred list checks are required by Ofsted or a childminder’s CMA, for any relevant people. If a person has lived or worked outside the UK an additional criminal records check should be made (or multiple “checks” if they have lived in more than one country)
What: A full 12-hour Paediatric First Aid course that meets the EYFS requirements.
Why it matters: In an emergency, you need to be equipped to respond effectively. This certificate is non-negotiable for registration.
EYFS Requirement:
3.34 Childminders are required to have a paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate to register and must continue to hold this at all times that they are registered. At least one person who has a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present, and must accompany children on outings.
What: You need up-to-date safeguarding training that is EYFS-compliant and includes information about the Prevent Duty.
Why it matters: Safeguarding is a cornerstone of early years care. You must understand signs of abuse, your responsibilities, and reporting procedures.
EYFS Requirement:
3.27 Childminders must attend a child protection training course20 that helps them to identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of possible abuse and neglect at the earliest opportunity.
What:You must understand safeguarding, including recognising abuse, reporting concerns, and having clear procedures.
Why it matters:
It’s your legal duty to keep children safe. Ofsted will check your knowledge and how you protect children from harm.
EYFS Requirement:3.3 Childminders must take all necessary steps to keep children safe and well. The
requirements in this section explain what childminders must do to:• Safeguard children (including DSL / child protection)
• Ensure the people who have contact with children are suitable.
• Promote good health.
• Support and understand behaviour.
• Maintain records, policies and procedures.
What: Prepare clear, written policies for safeguarding, health & safety, behaviour, complaints, equality, SEND, administration of medicine, and accidents/incidents.
Why it matters: These demonstrate that you have thought through your responsibilities and are prepared to manage your setting effectively.
EYFS Requirement:
3.6 Childminders must have and implement policies and procedures to keep children safe and meet EYFS requirements. Childminders solely registered on the early years register or with an early years CMA are not required to have written policies and procedures. However, they must be able to explain their policies and procedures to parents, carers, and others (for example Ofsted inspectors or the CMA with which they are registered).
What: Written risk assessments for your home, garden, outings, and any pets.
Why it matters: Ofsted wants to see that you can identify and manage potential hazards proactively.
EYFS Requirement:
3.63 Childminders must ensure that their premises, including overall floor space and outdoor spaces, are fit for purpose and suitable for the age of children cared for and the activities provided on the premises.
What: If
you plan to work with an assistant, you must follow safer recruitment procedures, including checking their identity, qualifications, references, and ensuring an enhanced DBS and disqualification declaration are completed.
Why it matters: Safer recruitment protects children from harm by ensuring that anyone working in your setting is suitable and safe. Ofsted expects clear records of recruitment and ongoing suitability checks for all staff.
EYFS Requirement:
3.14 Relevant information about identity checks, the vetting process completed (including the criminal records check reference number, the date a check was obtained and details of who at the setting obtained it) will be kept by Ofsted or the CMA with which the childminder is registered.
What: Be ready to explain the EYFS framework and how you will support each area of learning and development.
Why it matters: Ofsted will assess your ability to deliver the statutory framework.
EYFS Requirement:
1.3 There are seven areas of learning and development that set out what childminders must teach the children in their settings. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.
1.6 The educational programmes must involve activities and experiences that enable children to learn and develop.
What: Be prepared to explain how you will identify and support children with additional needs in line with the SEND Code of Practice.
Why it matters: Inclusion is a legal requirement and central to high-quality care.
EYFS Requirements:
3.60 Childminders must have arrangements in place to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Childminders are encouraged to identify a person to act as a SENCO (SEND coordinator).
What: You must register as a food business with your local authority and understand basic food hygiene practices.
Why it matters: Children’s health and safety relies on hygienic practices around food.
EYFS Requirement:
3.55 Childminders must be confident that they, or any assistants responsible for preparing and handling food, are competent to do so.
What: Describe what a typical day in your setting will look like, including meals, naps, activities, and learning time. Being prepared to discuss how you will meet each child's individual needs and maintain safety and wellbeing.
Why it matters: Routines help children feel secure and enable a rhythm of learning and rest.
EYFS Requirement:
5. Four guiding principles should shape practice in early years. These are:
Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/670f8c0f366f494ab2e7b93d/EYFS_statutory__framework_for_childminders.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-inspection-handbook-eif/early-years-inspection-handbook-for-ofsted-registered-provision-for-september-2023
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf
This is just a snap shot of the EYFS, using this blog to explore and develop understanding of how you comply with each requirement in this document will help you prepare to talk confidently about your planned provision to your inspector.
