Guidance documents, model policies and templates
Model child protection policies
For childminders (Word, 637KB)
Safeguarding questionnaire 2025
Please complete the following questionnaire by 31 July 2025. It is vitally important that this is completed by your Designated Safeguarding lead so that you can:
- self-assess your safeguarding processes
- inform us about your practice
- allow us to continue to develop our support for you
EY settings or childminders complete this questionnaire
Sole childminders, complete this questionnaire
Child Protection files
Use these model templates / paperwork to create an early years child protection file.
Child Protection files - Guidance for Essex schools and education settings (Word, 52KB)
Early years child protection records - file front sheet (Word, 36KB)
Early Years child protection records - case chronology (Word, 39KB)
Early years child protection records - report of a concern (Word, 38KB)
Early Years child protection records - body maps (Word, 49KB)
Early Years child protection records - contact record (Word, 35KB)
Early years child protection records - file transfer (Word, 40KB)
Risk Assessment Templates
Risk assessment - Prevent - updated April 2025 (Word, 66KB)
Risk assessment template - safeguarding (Word, 44KB)
Risk assessment - challenging behaviour (Word, 43KB)
Risk assessment form template (Word, 40KB)
Risk management plan template (Word, 41KB)
Understanding and Supporting Behaviour
Understanding and supporting behaviour - Safe practice for schools (PDF, 179KB)
Understanding and Supporting Behaviour - Appendices (Word, 51KB)
Model early years behaviour and relationships policy (Word, 103KB)
Other Resources
Confirmation of child protection documents received (Word, 29KB)
Safeguarding information for visitors to a setting (Word, 41KB)
Early years level 2 training schedule template (Word, 54KB)