DfE have launched  a consultation regarding safeguarding arrangements for Out of School settings including religious groups, home education environments, tuition settings, youth centres, uniformed youth organisations and extra-curricular clubs which are not currently regulated by education or childcare law meaning such providers are not subject to the same safeguarding requirements as registered schools or childcare settings.

The DfE says that while there are many examples of exemplary providers that create positive and safe environments for children to flourish, there are also examples of settings that “lack sufficient safeguards” and in which children are at increased risk of harm to their physical or mental health; intellectual, emotional or behavioural development, or can be exposed to unsafe or hazardous environments.

It is important to share this information with unregistered childcare providers (those offering provision for children over the age of 8yrs and some holiday play-schemes) to encourage them to respond.

The consultation…