Safe Recruitment

• Childminders and any assistants may be suitable to work with children. They must have the relevant training and passed any required checks to fulfil their roles.
• Childminders must obtain a reference for any childminding assistants they employ.
• Childminders must also ensure any person who may have regular contact with children (for example, someone living or working on the same premises as the children) are suitable.

In childminding settings, the childminder is the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Childminders must provide support, advice, and guidance to any assistants and to other staff on an ongoing basis, and on any specific safeguarding issue as required. Childminders must make sure any assistants understand the setting’s provider’s safeguarding policies and procedures, and have up to date knowledge of safeguarding issues. Any Childminders must ensure all assistants are appropriately safeguarding trained.

Inappropriate behaviour from childminders and assistants or household member or any other person working with the children must be reported to the LADO immediately. Examples of inappropriate behaviour could include inappropriate sexual comments; excessive one-to-one attention beyond what is required through their role; or inappropriate sharing of images to name only a few.

The 4 LADO outcomes are;

• Substantiated: There is sufficient evidence to prove the allegation is true.
• False: There is enough evidence to disprove the allegation, but no proof of deliberate intent to deceive.
• Malicious: There is enough evidence to disprove the allegation and proof of deliberate intent to deceive or cause harm.
• Unsubstantiated: There is not enough evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation, and it does not imply guilt or innocence.
• Unfounded: There is no evidence or proper basis to support the allegation

Whilst blowing is extremely important and childminders should create an environment where whistle blowing is encouraged.