Guidance documents, model policies and templates
Model child protection policies
For settings and childminders with assistants (Word, 1.2MB)
For childminders (Word, 630KB)
Complete the safeguarding audit 2025-2026
To assess the safeguarding processes and procedures within your setting you should complete the safeguarding audit (Word, 90KB).
Child Protection files
Use these model templates / paperwork to create an early years child protection file. Documents updated August 2025.
Child Protection files - Guidance for Essex schools and education settings (PDF, 420KB)
Early years child protection records - file front sheet (Word, 39KB)
Early Years child protection records - case chronology (Word, 39KB)
Early years child protection records - report of a concern (Word, 43KB)
Early Years child protection records - body maps (Word, 48KB)
Early Years child protection records - contact record (Word, 35KB)
Early years child protection records - file transfer (Word, 44KB)
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 2025 - 2026 (PDF, 797KB)
Understanding and Supporting Behaviour - Appendices (Word, 1.9MB)
Model early years behaviour and relationships policy (Word, 103KB)
Other Resources
Updated August 2025
Confirmation of child protection documents received (Word, 31KB)
Safeguarding information for visitors to a setting (Word, 42KB)