Every child deserves the best possible start in life with the opportunity to learn and develop in an environment that is both safe and secure. Parents who use early years services should be able to do so confident in the knowledge that their children will be getting the best possible experiences. The new Early Years Foundation Stage is the framework that provides this assurance within an enabling environment where risks are minimised and well managed because practitioners understand the components of a safe environment and take their responsibilities seriously.
The purpose of this guide compiled by the Pre-school Learning Alliance is to support practitioners in making sure that children are kept safe at all times within the supportive framework of existing legislation and the experience of practice, with support from the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) and National Childminding Association (NCMA).