EYFS Statutory Framework: Safeguarding Disabled Children

The Framework which the EYFS follows is called the EYFS statutory framework; this guides all staff employed in nurseries, receptions and child minders on the correct ways and procedures for looking after children. According to the EYFS statutory framework [2017], “Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances.”

The EYFS statutory framework [2017] has the safeguarding and welfare requirements, suitable staff, disqualification when needed, correct training, qualifications, ratios and a child having a key person makes up the safeguarding

Disabled children have the same rights as any other child to feel safe and be protected from harm. According to ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ “Safeguards for disabled children are essentially the same as for non-disabled children. Particular attention should be paid to promoting high standards of practice and a high level of awareness of the risks of harm, and strengthening the capacity of children and families to help themselves.” Disabled children are increasingly vulnerable to abuse and neglect which is why attention should be paid to their well-being. The guidance ‘Safeguarding disabled children – Practice Guidance’ gives professionals advice on the indicators of abuse or neglect. According to ‘Safeguarding disabled children – Practice Guidance’, indicators that a disabled child is being neglected or abused can be, “A bruise in a site that might not be of concern on an ambulant child, such as the shin, might be of concern on a non-mobile child, Not getting enough help with feeding leading to malnourishment, Poor toileting arrangement or Lack of stimulation” The guidance ‘Safeguarding disabled children – Practice Guidance’ is effective as it gives EYPs a view on how to safeguard children with additional needs as they are at an increased risk of neglect and abuse due to their vulnerability. On the other hand, according to a Telegraph article ‘Disabled children four times more likely to be victim of violence: study’ [2012], “The risk of violence to children with disabilities is routinely three to four times higher than that of non-disabled