Which policies do I need as a tiney childminder?
As a tiney childminder, you need to have written policies and procedures in place. Here is exactly what is required, who requires it, and how to keep on top of it.
Legally required by the EYFS
Two policies are a legal requirement under the General Childcare Register and must always be in writing:
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Complaints
Since September 2025, the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) statutory framework also requires written policies covering:
Attendance
Whistleblowing
Required by tiney
As well as the above, tiney requires all registered childminders to have these written policies in place:
Accident and Incident Policy
Medicine Policy
Lost Child Policy
Supporting Children's Behaviour Policy
Failure to Collect Policy
SEND Policy
Settling In Policy
Sick Child Policy
Emergency Evacuation Plan
Risk Assessment
Your Safeguarding Policy, Sick Child Policy, Emergency Evacuation Plan, and Risk Assessment must be submitted to tiney for review and approval. All others are self-managed, you complete them and they do not need to come to us, but they must be in place.
Your Risk Assessment is a living document, you will update it regularly as your setting changes, even after first approval.
Optional policies
These are only needed if they apply to your setting:
Pet Policy (if you have pets at home)
Image Recording and CCTV Policy (if you use CCTV or recording equipment)
No Smoking / Vaping Policy (if relevant to your setting)
What your Local Authority may also require
Some Local Authorities (LAs) ask childminders to have additional written policies. These vary by LA but commonly include:
Inclusion / Equality and Diversity
EYPP / Disability Access Fund (DAF) policy
Privacy / GDPR policy
Check with your LA if you are unsure whether they have specific requirements in your area.
What about non-EYFS pathways?
If you are registered on a non-EYFS pathway (for example, caring only for children aged 5 and over), you do not need a Settling In Policy or an Attendance Policy.
When to review your policies
Review all your policies at least once a year. Your annual Quality Assurance (QA) visit will include a check that your policies are up to date.
Out-of-date policies are one of the most commonly flagged issues at QA visits, put a reminder in your calendar every 12 months.
You can find and update your policies through the tiney app.