Visitors Policy

(Updated for EYFS 2025)

Policy Statement

At Just Little Ones Childminding, the safety, security, and well-being of children are our top priorities. This policy outlines our procedures for managing visitors while maintaining a safe and nurturing environment. It has been updated to reflect EYFS 2025 changes, ensuring compliance with enhanced safeguarding and visitor protocols.

Definition of Visitors

Visitors include any individuals who are not part of the regular staff or children enrolled in the childminding setting, such as:

  • Parents and guardians
  • Family members
  • External professionals (e.g., inspectors, health visitors, speech therapists)
  • Contractors and maintenance workers
  • Other invited guests

Prior Notification and Approval

  • All visitors, including parents and professionals, must notify childminders in advance of their visit.
  • Visitors will only be approved if their presence does not disrupt the children’s routine, safety, or learning environment.
  • Ofsted inspectors and safeguarding professionals may visit without prior notice and must be given full access to relevant areas and records.

Identification and Sign-In Procedures

  • Visitors must sign in upon arrival, providing their name, contact details, purpose of visit, and time of entry/exit.
  • Visitors will be issued a visitor badge, which must be worn visibly at all times while on the premises.
  • A record of all visitors will be maintained for safeguarding compliance and monitoring purposes.

Supervision and Interaction with Children

  • Visitors must always be supervised while in the childminding setting.
  • Visitors are not permitted to interact with children unless supervised by childminders.
  • Visitors must not be left alone with any child under any circumstances.

Confidentiality and Privacy

  • Visitors must respect the confidentiality of children, parents, and staff members.
  • Sensitive or personal information shared during visits must not be disclosed to unauthorised parties.

Compliance with Policies

  • Visitors must comply with all childminding policies, including those related to:
    • Safeguarding
    • Health and Safety
    • Hygiene and Infection Control
    • Behaviour Expectations
  • Visitors will be informed of any specific policies they must follow before entering the premises.

Unannounced Visits

  • Unannounced visits from parents or legal guardians are permitted, but childminders must be notified immediately upon arrival.
  • Emergency services, Ofsted inspectors, or safeguarding professionals may enter unannounced, and childminders must cooperate fully.

Visitor Restrictions

  • Visitors are NOT allowed to access areas where children are:
    • Sleeping
    • Receiving personal care (e.g., nappy changing, toileting)
  • Visitors are NOT permitted to take photos or videos of children without prior written parental consent.

Reporting Concerns

  • If a visitor notices a safety or security concern, they should report it to the childminder immediately.
  • Any safeguarding concerns related to a visitor must be logged and reported according to the setting’s Safeguarding Policy.

Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually or more frequently if required to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with any changes in legislation or local guidelines.
Feedback from parents, legal guardians, and staff members is welcomed to continuously improve our visitors policy.

Alignment with EYFS 2025 Changes

This policy has been updated in line with the September 2025 EYFS reforms, which emphasise stricter visitor procedures as part of safeguarding measures. The EYFS 2025 framework highlights the importance of closely monitoring visitors, ensuring all individuals accessing the setting are appropriately vetted, and reinforcing the responsibility of childminders to maintain detailed visitor logs. These updates ensure childminders comply with the latest best practices in safeguarding and child protection.

Signed: Jemma & Dale Ferriday
Date: August 2025
Review Date: April 2027