Statutory policies and procedures for nurseries

Establishing a nursery requires meticulous planning and adherence to statutory regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Understanding the statutory requirements and implementing them effectively is paramount for nursery providers.

In this blog, Anna Nova will outline the key policies and procedures for setting up a compliant nursery supported by relevant legislation and best practices.

Key facts and statistics

The UK has over 24,000 nurseries, providing early years education and care to approximately 1.1 million children.
Ofsted reported that 95% of early years providers were rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ in 2021.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework is mandatory for all Ofsted-registered early years settings, ensuring consistent and high-quality standards.

Key policies for nursery operations

Implementing and adhering to several key policies is essential to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and compliant nursery environment. These policies not only help maintain the highest standards of care and education but also ensure that all statutory requirements are met.

Below are the fundamental policies every nursery should have in place.

Safeguarding and child protection - Ensuring the safety of children is paramount. Your safeguarding policy must detail procedures for reporting concerns and allegations. Regular staff training on safeguarding issues is essential to maintaining a vigilant environment.
Health and safety - A comprehensive health and safety policy will cover risk assessments, fire safety, first aid, and hygiene practices. Regular inspections and maintenance of the nursery premises are necessary to prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment.
Equality and diversity - Promoting equality and diversity within your nursery ensures compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and creates a positive and inclusive atmosphere. This policy should address anti-discriminatory practices, cultural sensitivity, and equal opportunities for all children.
Data protection - In the digital age, protecting personal data is critical. A robust data protection policy ensures compliance with GDPR and safeguards the information of children, parents, and staff. This policy should include procedures for data handling, storage, and breaches.
SEND Policy - Supporting children with special educational needs requires a dedicated policy outlining the nursery’s identification, assessment, and intervention approach. Regular staff training and resources are crucial to effectively supporting these children.

Best practices for nursery policy implementation

Policy	Legislation	Best Practice
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy	The Children Act 1989 and 2004 Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018	Implement a robust safeguarding policy with clear procedures for identifying and reporting abuse. Ensure all staff are trained in safeguarding and understand their roles and responsibilities.
Health and Safety Policy	Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999	Conduct regular risk assessments, maintain a safe environment, and ensure staff are trained in health and safety procedures. Have clear protocols for handling accidents and emergencies.
Equality and Diversity Policy	Equality Act 2010	Promote an inclusive environment where every child is valued and respected. Ensure policies are in place to prevent discrimination and promote equal opportunities.
Data Protection Policy	General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 Data Protection Act 2018	Ensure compliance with GDPR by implementing data collection, storage, and sharing policies. Train staff on data protection principles and ensure parental consent is obtained where necessary.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Policy	Children and Families Act 2014 SEND Code of Practice 2015	Develop a SEND policy that outlines how the nursery supports children with special educational needs. Ensure staff are trained to identify and support children with SEND.

Recommendations

Regular training - Continuous professional development (CPD) is vital. Ensure staff are regularly trained on the latest statutory requirements and best practices.
Policy reviews - Regularly review and update policies to reflect changes in legislation and practice.
Parental involvement - Engage parents in developing and reviewing policies to ensure they are informed and supportive of the nursery’s practices.
Use ComplyPlus™ - Leverage ComplyPlus™ legislation and regulatory compliance management software to streamline policy management and ensure continuous compliance.

Click here for our wide range of CPD-accredited online courses for early years.

Conclusion

Setting up a nursery involves navigating a complex landscape of statutory policies and procedures. By implementing robust policies and procedures, you can ensure a safe, compliant, high-quality environment for children. Continuous professional development and compliance management tools like ComplyPlus™ can help maintain these standards, providing peace of mind and fostering a positive reputation.

Click here for comprehensive support in managing statutory policies and procedures with ComplyPlus™. Our legislation and regulatory compliance management software and expert training solutions ensure your nursery remains compliant and up-to-date.

About the author

Anna Nova Galeon

Anna, our wordsmith extraordinaire, plays a pivotal role in quality assurance. She collaborates seamlessly with subject matter experts and marketers to meet stringent quality standards. Her linguistic precision and meticulous attention to detail elevate our content, ensuring prominence, clarity, and alignment with global quality benchmarks.