National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare for children up to the age of 12 years: statutory guidance - Audience and overview
Standard of care child minding and day care providers must meet to look after children under 12.
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Standard 14: Organisation
Child’s voice: I always know who is looking after me and what’s happening.
Well-being outcome: Children’s well-being is supported by a well-organised service, where the number of adults meets their needs in line with Requirements.
The registered person is responsible for ensuring that:
14.1 An operational plan is developed and periodically reviewed. This is available to parents. The aim of this plan is to ensure that the service is well planned and organised and to allow maximum flexibility in organising the provision according to available resources and the needs of children and families. The content of the plan will vary according to the type of provision, but may include:
- details of the organisational structure.
- line management responsibilities.
- Staffing structure indicating responsibilities for leadership and management.
- details of the premises and facilities and how they are used.
- training plans.
- information about the development of the service.
- action plans.
14.2 Staff are deployed effectively within the provision to ensure the safety, welfare and development of children.
14.3 There is a named deputy who is able to take charge in the absence of the person in charge. This does not apply to child minders.
14.4 Children aged under 2 years are cared for in groups of no more than 12, otherwise, the size of a group never exceeds 26 children. A provision may include more than one group. While smaller key groups with consistent staff should be the norm, movement of children and staff between groups in the course of the day may be encouraged within the setting, if that is planned, to provide a richer experience for children.
14.5 All children are allocated to a member of staff who is their key worker. The key worker is mainly responsible for their well‑being on a daily basis and ensures that information about the child is exchanged with the parent.
14.6 Children have the opportunity to interact with the adults caring for them. Staff actively seek to build good relationships with the children and include opportunities for small groups of children to interact and play together.
To assist providers, the principal regulatory requirements underpinning this standard are outlined below, followed by relevant guidance. Providers should note that neither list is exhaustive, and that providers must have regard to all standards relevant to their service and the circumstances concerned.
Related Regulations
Further Guidance and Support
Cwlwm is a consortium of five childcare and playwork partners. It offers templates, information and downloadable resources to help with operating bilingual early years childcare or playwork settings.