Every childminder needs to explain how they make their setting welcoming to every child and how they support children with special educational needs and disabilities. Most childminders write these as two short policies, one on equality and inclusion and one on SEND.
Equality and inclusion
Say that every child and family is welcome, and that you treat everyone fairly whatever their background, culture, religion, language, disability, gender or family make-up. Say that you challenge discrimination and meet your duties under the Equality Act 2010, including making reasonable adjustments.
Then say what that looks like day to day: books and toys that show different families and cultures, celebrating children's home languages, and learning about communities other than the children's own. Ofsted noted at my inspection that we teach children about other faiths and places of worship, so it's worth describing what you actually do.
SEND
Describe how you plan for each child's needs, how you work with parents, and what you do if you think a child may need extra help: talk to the parents first, agree what to do, and ask your local authority, health visitor or other professionals for advice where needed. If you have a SENCo role or have done SEND training, say so.
How it looks in your contract
From a GoChildmind contract
Equality and inclusion. Every child and family is welcome. I treat everyone fairly and with respect, whatever their background, culture, religion, language, disability, gender or family make-up. I challenge discrimination, and I meet my duties under the Equality Act 2010, including making reasonable adjustments.
Special educational needs and disabilities. I plan for each child's needs and work closely with parents. If I think a child may need extra help, I talk to you first and agree what to do, which may include asking for advice from my local authority, health visitors or other professionals.
Put your own details in, freeRead the full sample contract
Questions people ask
Do childminders need a SENCo? Group settings must have a SENCo. Childminders are encouraged to identify a person to fulfil the role, which is usually you.
Can a childminder refuse a child with SEND? You must not discriminate, and you must make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. Talk to your local authority's early years team if you're unsure whether you can meet a child's needs.