Advice on use of Electrical Socket Covers

Northamptonshire Childminding Association has sought clarification from Ofsted regarding whether the use of socket covers for childminders and other settings is a requirement.

Ofsted have said that it is the childminders responsibility to risk assess and to have a “robust risk assessment in place” which shows that this has been done.

If a childminder can show that they don’t need socket covers because their sockets have safety measures in place in the design, then the risk assessment should stand.

Ofsted say that it is important for childminders to challenge if they feel a judgement made by the Ofsted inspector is unfair.