Guidance documents, model policies and templates
Use these resources to support good practice in your setting.
Model child protection policies
For settings and childminders with assistants (Word, 2MB)
For sole childminders (Word, 2MB)
Model attendance policy for EY settings
Early years model attendance policy (Word, 2MB)
Early years attendance resources (Word, 1.8MB)
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 October 2026.
Child Protection files - Guidance for Essex schools and education settings (PDF, 486KB)
Early years child protection records - file front sheet (Word, 39KB)
Early Years child protection records - case chronology (Word, 40KB)
Early years child protection records - report of a concern (Word, 38KB)
Early Years child protection records - body maps (Word, 52KB)
Early Years child protection records - contact record (Word, 38KB)
Early years child protection records - file transfer (Word, 39KB)
Risk Assessment Templates
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
Model early years behaviour and relationships policy (Word, 103KB)
Other Resources
EY confirmation of child protection documents received (Word, 39KB)
Safeguarding information for visitors to an early years setting - September 2026 (Word, 50KB)