CMARS > Early Years

Early Years

Early Years providers have a duty under section 40 of the Childcare Act 2006 to comply with the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Early Years providers should ensure that:

  • There is a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) with a senior responsibility for safeguarding children within each early years/childminder setting and who should liaise with local statutory children’s services agencies as appropriate.
  • The DSL should complete child protection training every two years, (and refresh their knowledge at least annually).
  • The DSL must ensure all staff are trained to recognise and respond to concerns regarding safeguarding children and also any allegations or concerns regarding adults.
  • There is a written safeguarding policy that highlights up to date child protection procedures. This should be reviewed regularly (at least annually)
  • The DSL will ensure that any policies and practice are in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children and the Early Years Foundation Stage

Early Years Training Requirements

There are 2 statutory EYFS frameworks:

EYFS statutory framework for childminders
EYFS statutory framework for group and school-based providers

Providers are responsible for ensuring they follow the current version of the framework for their provider type.

The EYFS framework:

  • sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure children learn and develop well
  • ensures children are kept healthy and safe
  • ensures children have the knowledge and skills they need to start school

Early Years specific training

For specific early years training, please see early years CPD training manual or contact:  EarlyYearsTeam@northlincs.gov.uk

For all other training courses, please see the cMARS training page.

Early Years – Designated Safeguarding Leads Forum

Meeting Dates:

DSL update for nurseries, pre schools and out of school provision:

  • 4th November 2025
  • 3rd March 2026
  • 9th June 2026

 

DSL updates for childminders:

  • 10th November 2025
  • 10th March 2026
  • 17th June 2026

For queries or further information, please contact  Early Years Team:  EarlyYearsTeam@northlincs.gov.uk