Childminding Standards & Legislation
Childminders must take into account a range of different standards and legislation when deciding on their business and care practice. Some legislation, such as the EYFS, is written specifically for childcarers other legislation applies more generally to anyone working with children or running a business.
To help you understanding the legislation that applies to childminders we’ve provided summaries of the contents and how it affects your practice, you’ll also find this information useful if you are completing Task 1 of the CYPOP5 training.
Data Protection Act 1998 & Notification
The Data Protection Act 1998 governs the use of personal data by organisations and gives certain rights to individuals regarding the information held about them. As part of the act, organisations that use personal data are required to notify the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), who are responsible for regulating and enforcing the Data Protection Act.
Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 covers discrimination. It replaces the Sex Discrimination Act, Disability Discrimination Act and Race Relations Act. It defines what discrimination is and, in the case of disability, imposes a duty to take reasonable adjustments to prevent disadvantage.
Early Years Foundation Stage 2012
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a statutory framework (government document) that sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children in the period between a child’s birth and their fifth birthday.
Food Hygiene Regulations 2006
The Food Hygiene Regulations (which apply in all areas of the UK) set out the responsibility of all businesses that work with food. They are primarily concerned with ensuring that effective and proportionate measures are put in place to ensure food safety is maintained.
The Care Standards Act 2000
The Care Standards Act 2000 passed the responsibility for the regulation of childminding from local authorities to Ofsted and CSSIW in order to standardise care and made provisions for the creation of national standards governing childminders.
UN Convention on the Rights of a Child
The UN Convention on the Rights of a Child sets out the fundamental rights of all children. It is an important piece of legislation that all childminders should be aware of.
The Children’s Act 1989
The Children’s Act of 1989 is just one of the many pieces of legislation that influences childminding standards and practice.
