The EYFS requires children to play outdoors every day, either in your garden or on planned outings if you don't have outdoor space. Your outings policy explains how you keep that safe, and your transport policy covers cars and public transport if you use them.
Outings
- Where you go. The usual places, such as parks, playgroups, libraries and the school run.
- Risk assessment. You assess the risks for every outing, and write one down for anything new or unusual.
- Ratios. You stay within ratios the whole time.
- First aid. A paediatric first aider always goes, with a first aid kit and parents' contact numbers.
- Consent. Parents agree to outings in writing, with a separate yes or no for anything out of the ordinary.
Counting children at every gate, door and crossing does more than any form. It's also where your missing child procedure starts.
Transport
If you drive children, you need business use on your car insurance, a correctly fitted car seat or booster for each child's age and size, and parents' written consent. If you use buses or trains, say so and how you keep children together.
If you don't transport children at all, say that, so parents don't assume otherwise.
How it looks in your contract
From a GoChildmind contract
Your child will play outdoors every day, in my secure garden and on outings.
Outings may include: local walks and parks and playgrounds. Before every outing I assess the risks and ratios, and a paediatric first aider always goes with the children.
I do not transport children in a vehicle.
Put your own details in, freeRead the full sample contract
GoChildmind writes the outings you choose and how you travel into the contract, and asks parents for each consent on the family form.
Questions people ask
Do childminders need a written risk assessment for every outing? The EYFS requires you to assess risks for outings, and to have a risk assessment that covers ratios and staffing. Most childminders keep a written one for each regular outing and review it, plus one for anything new.
Does my car insurance cover childminding? Only if it includes business use. Check with your insurer before you drive any child you care for.