EYFS Safeguarding Checklist for Nursery Managers

Safeguarding is not a policy folder. It is the daily culture of a setting: the questions staff ask, the records they keep, and the speed with which they act when something feels wrong.

The EYFS statutory framework and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) set the standard. Ofsted's inspection handbook makes clear that if safeguarding is not effective, nothing else can be judged good or outstanding.

This checklist is designed for nursery managers and owner-operators who want to be confident that their safeguarding practice matches their policy.

People

• [ ] You have a named DSL and at least one deputy DSL.
• [ ] DSL and deputy training is in date, usually within the last two years.
• [ ] Every adult on site has an enhanced DBS check recorded on the Single Central Record.
• [ ] The SCR includes all required columns and is checked at least termly.
• [ ] Staff, students and volunteers receive safeguarding induction before being left unsupervised.
• [ ] Safer recruitment training is in date for anyone involved in hiring.

Policies and procedures

• [ ] Safeguarding policy is written, annually reviewed, and available to parents.
• [ ] Behaviour policy is clear on physical intervention, restraint and reasonable force.
• [ ] Missing child procedure is known by all staff.
• [ ] Whistleblowing policy includes the LADO contact details.
• [ ] Online safety and mobile phone policy is enforced consistently.
• [ ] Complaints policy is accessible and followed.

Environment

• [ ] All areas used by children are risk-assessed and checked daily.
• [ ] Gates, doors and outdoor access are secure.
• [ ] Cleaning products, medicines and sharp items are stored out of reach.
• [ ] Sleep and nappy-changing areas follow EYFS welfare requirements.
• [ ] Visitors sign in, are escorted, and wear identification.

Records

• [ ] Accidents, incidents and existing injuries are recorded promptly.
• [ ] Attendance registers flag unexplained absences and repeated lateness.
• [ ] Concerns are recorded factually, dated and signed, even when no referral is made.
• [ ] Referrals to children's services are logged with dates, agencies and outcomes.
• [ ] Data protection and information sharing guidance is followed.

Training and supervision

• [ ] All staff can recognise the signs of abuse and neglect.
• [ ] Staff know how to respond to a disclosure and who to tell.
• [ ] Safeguarding updates are given at least annually.
• [ ] Supervision meetings include a safeguarding check-in.
• [ ] Governors, trustees or owners receive regular safeguarding updates.

What inspectors will look for

Inspectors will not just read your policy. They will ask staff what they would do if a child made a disclosure, how they record a concern, and who the DSL is. They will check that practice matches paperwork.

They will also look at whether safeguarding is woven through leadership. Are workload and staff wellbeing managed in a way that means staff can still notice and respond to concerns?

The one thing to do this week

Pick one item from this list that you have not checked recently and do it today. Safeguarding confidence comes from small, consistent actions, not from one big annual audit.

If your policy says one thing and your practice says another, inspectors will trust what they see on the floor.