The requirements are set out in three sections:

• overarching general legal requirements;
• specific legal requirements;
• statutory guidance.

Providers must comply with all the legal requirements set out and should have regard to the statutory guidance. Ofsted will base its regulatory and inspection judgements on whether a provider has met the general and specific legal requirements, and has had regard to the statutory guidance. This guidance gives examples of action providers are likely to have to take in order to meet the general and specific legal requirements; however, providers may be able to comply by using other methods, in which case they can depart from the statutory guidance provided that they are able to demonstrate that their alternative approach achieves the same ends.

Where it is specified that a registered person must notify Ofsted of the occurrence of events or changes, written notification must be made:

• where it is reasonably practicable to do so, in advance of the event occurring;
• in all other cases as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than 14 days after the event has occurred.

Group providers will be expected to have written copies of any policies and procedures which are required, for example, to safeguard children or promote equality of opportunity. Providers should ensure that all members of staff have been given copies of these policies and procedures as part of their induction, and that they are explained to, and accessible to, all parents.

Schools will not be required to have separate policies for the EYFS provided that the requirements are met through their policies which cover children of statutory school age. Childminders will be expected to ensure that any assistants are aware of all policies and procedures, and that they are able to clearly define them for parents and others as and when requested. However, it will not be necessary for childminders to have written copies of these policies and procedures.

It is essential that children are provided with safe and secure environments in which to interact and explore rich and diverse learning and development opportunities. Providers need to ensure that, as well as conducting a formal risk assessment, they constantly reappraise both the environments and activities to which children are being exposed and make necessary adjustments to secure their safety at all times.