A list of all the essential and useful documents that childminders must be aware of in one handy place. The documents that you MUST use have a yellow button. When you click on the links they will open in a separate page.
If you bookmark this page then you’ll be able to find it next time you need it.
Last Updated 17/11/2025
Essential Early Years Documents
Statutory Framework For The Early Years Foundation Stage – For Childminders
This is the document all childminders in England MUST follow
Ofsted Parent’s Poster
You must display this poster where parents can see it. It contains information about how they can contact Ofsted.
Early Years Foundation Stage nutrition guidance
This guidance comes into force from September 2025 and, as well as guidance that you should follow, it also contains lots of useful information both for you and that you can share with parents.
Ultimate Childminding Checklist
You may also like: The Ultimate Childminding Checklist. Four Checklists in one to help you ensure you have all the ‘must do’s’ in place.
Essential Inspection Related Documents
Early Years Inspection Toolkit
This new document This toolkit sets out the new areas that will be evaluated and
graded on inspections. The handbook also sets out the judgements that inspectors will make and on which they will report. It is very useful to read if you are due an inspection.
Ofsted Explore an Area
This resource allows you to search for information related to education and childcare services in your area. Your Ofsted inspector will expect you to know about this resource and to use the information to help support the children in your care.
Ultimate Childminding Inspection Preparation Pack
You may also like: Ultimate Childminding Inspection Preparation Pack 2025. Is your Ofsted Inspection imminent? Do not panic. this bundle will help you prepare AND will save you £10 off the price of buying these resources separately.
Essential Safeguarding Documents
Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
You MUST have regard for this document.
What to do if you are worried that a child is being abused
You may also find this document useful if you are worried about a child.
The Prevent Duty Guidance, England and Wales: Protecting children from radicalisation
You MUST have regard for this document.
Safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings: online safety considerations guidance for practitioners
Guidance to help those who work in early years settings consider their practice and to take steps to safeguard both children and adults online.
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025
Statutory guidance for schools and colleges on safeguarding children and safer recruitment. A useful document to be aware of.
3 in 1 Safeguarding Pack
You may also like: The 3 in 1 Safeguarding Pack. This 3 in 1 safeguarding pack for childminders contains three useful tools in one pack. An editable safeguarding policy, 40 multiple choice safeguarding questions and a safeguarding audit list.
Useful Assessment/ Child Development Documents
Development Matters – Published by the Department of Education
You can use this document to help you assess children’s progress. However, it is not compulsory.
Birth to 5 Matters
Non-statutory guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage developed by the Early Years Coalition.
Progress Check at Age 2 – Non Statutory Guidance
Progress Check at Age Two Pack
You may also like: The Welly Wren Progress Check Age 2 Pack. A handy kit which guides you through the whole process. It contains progress check samples, templates and full guidance on how to complete your progress check at age two.
Useful Health and Safety Documents
Safer Food Better Business for Childminders
Food safety management pack for registered childminders or child-carers on domestic premises who usually provide meals and drinks for the children in their care.
Health Protection in Schools and other Childcare Facilities
A practical guide for staff on managing cases of infectious diseases in schools and other childcare settings.
Physical Activity Guidelines from the Chief Medical Office
As mentioned in the EYFS
Be Safe, Be Healthy MEGA pack
You may also like: The Be Safe, Be Healthy MEGA Pack. As a childminder you have a choice about what activities you do with the children you look after so why not do some topics that could really make a difference to their lives? Taking the time to explore topics like healthy eating, making friends, sun safety, oral health, fire and road safety will not only really help the children, but it will make you feel that you are doing something truly valuable with the time you are spending with them.
Useful Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Documents
SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years
Useful Financial and Tax Documents
HMRC list of allowable expenses for childminders
Essential information about which expenses you can legally deduct.
