Regulatory Update - Changes to Be Aware of
Here is a quick round up of some key regulatory compliance changes over the last term.
Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage
A new Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage has been published, which is effective from 3 April 2017.
This will introduce the new requirement that all newly qualified entrants to the early years workforce who have completed a level 2 and/or level 3 qualification on or after 30 June 2016 must have either a full paediatric first aid (PFA) or an emergency PFA certificate within three months of starting work in order to be included in the required staff: child ratios at level 2 or level 3 in an early years setting.
Various other amendments have been made in relation to PFA requirements, safeguarding and safer recruitment obligations and the application of the indoor space requirements.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
The former 2009 DfE guidance Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation has been replaced by new guidance for practitioners. This contains the following revised definition of CSE:
"Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology."
Online Safety Guidance for Governors
The UK Council for Child Internet Safety has published guidance for school governors to help governing boards support their school leaders to keep children safe online.
This guidance provides useful information for schools and governors to assess the 'whole school approach to online safety' required under Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Policy Statement on Relationships and Sex Education
A policy statement has been published in relation to the proposal to make Relationships Education (primary schools) and Relationships and Sex Education (secondary schools) a statutory requirement in all schools, including academies and maintained schools.
The government has laid an amendments to the Children and Social Work Bill which is intended to come into effect from September 2019.