Suitable people
General requirement
Adults looking after children must have appropriate qualifications, training, skills and knowledge.
Specific legal requirements
Childminders must have attended a training course within six months of registration and must hold a current paediatric first aid certificate at the point of registration. First aid training must be approved by the local authority and consistent with the guidance set out in the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
In registered settings other than childminding settings, all supervisors and managers must hold a full and relevant level 3 qualification (as defined by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC)) and half of all other staff must hold a full and relevant level 2 qualification (as defined by CWDC).
Statutory guidance to which providers should have regard
Wherever possible, childminders should have attended a training course prior to or shortly after registration. The training should be approved by the local authority and provide support for childminders in meeting and putting into practice the requirements of the EYFS. Childminders are accountable for, and supervise the work of, any assistant. The childminder should be satisfied that they are competent in the areas of work undertaken.
The manager should have at least two years' experience of working in an early years setting, or have at least two years' other suitable experience.
All practitioners should have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
Providers should support their staff in improving their qualification levels. In particular, those staff with no qualifications should be supported in obtaining a relevant qualification at a minimum of a full and relevant level 2 qualification (as defined by CWDC).
Induction training should be provided for new staff to help them understand how the provision operates and their role within it. Induction training should include matters such as evacuation procedures and child protection and health and safety issues.
Regular staff appraisals should be carried out to identify the training needs of staff. A programme of continuing professional development should be applied so that these needs are met.
Providers should use training made available by the local authority and other sources.
