Child Safety for Childminders
Ofsted-registered childcare in the home. EYFS safeguarding requirements, phone and device rules, and managing other adults in the household.
As an Ofsted-registered childminder, you are running a regulated childcare setting from your own home. The EYFS statutory framework places safeguarding at the heart of everything you do, from the moment a child arrives at the door to the moment a parent collects them. This guide focuses on the practical reality of childminding: managing your own household's devices and screens, handling visitors and other adults in the home, recording incidents in a way that satisfies inspection, and keeping your safeguarding policy under review.
Why this matters
Childminders often look after a small number of children across a wide age range, in a setting where they are the only registered adult. There is no team to consult, no DSL down the corridor. The standards Ofsted holds you to are the same as any registered early years provider — and the inspection visit is short, focused, and unflinching. A clear safeguarding policy, well-documented incidents, and confident practice protect the children and protect your registration.
Quick wins
Review your EYFS safeguarding policy and update the date and signature
Time: 30 minutes
Check that SafeSearch and YouTube Restricted Mode are enabled on every device a minded child might use
Time: 15 minutes
Save your local MASH number, the NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000), and the Ofsted concerns line (0300 123 1231)
Time: 5 minutes
Common challenges
Managing your own family's phones, tablets, and TVs during childminding hours
Set a household rule that personal devices are not used while you are responsible for minded children, except where part of an EYFS-aligned activity. Television and tablets used by the children must show age-appropriate content with SafeSearch and YouTube Restricted Mode enabled. Document the boundaries in your safeguarding policy.
Other adults in the household — partners, adult children, lodgers
Every person aged 16 or over who lives or works on the premises must have an enhanced DBS check with barred list, and you must notify Ofsted of any new adult in the home. Visitors during childminding hours should be recorded in a visitor log and never left unsupervised with minded children. This is non-negotiable under EYFS.
Recording and reporting safeguarding concerns as a sole practitioner
Keep a bound or PDF safeguarding log with dated entries. Record the concern factually, what action you took, and who you spoke to. Where a concern reaches the safeguarding threshold, refer to your local MASH the same day and notify Ofsted within 14 days of any serious incident as required by EYFS. PACEY provides member helpline support if you are unsure.