Non-School AP — National Standards
Provider Self-Audit Tool
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DfE Voluntary Standards · August 2025
How well does your provision meet
all 21 national standards?
Work through each standard, rate your current position, and add evidence notes. Gaps are surfaced automatically below.
Met in full
Partially met
Not yet met
Not applicable
Part 1 · 6 Standards
Safeguarding & the Welfare of Children
1.1
Recruitment Checks & Single Central Record
Enhanced DBS with children's barred list check for all staff and proprietors before starting. Checks recorded on a Single Central Record (SCR). No person who fails these checks may work with children.
⚠ Action required
1.2
Safeguarding Policies
Written child protection policy (including child-on-child abuse and online safety), behaviour policy, and staff conduct / whistleblowing policy. All reviewed annually and publicly accessible.
⚠ Action required
1.3
Responding to Welfare Concerns
Clear documented procedures for reporting concerns — from internal pastoral support through to early help assessments and referrals to children's social care or police. Anonymous reporting permitted; all concerns recorded.
⚠ Action required
1.4
Staff Safeguarding Awareness
All permanent staff trained on safeguarding arrangements at appointment and annually thereafter. Proportionate approach for temporary staff and volunteers.
⚠ Action required
1.5
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
A named DSL with documented specialist training (renewed every 2 years). Responsible for managing concerns, liaising with LADO, making referrals and drafting / reviewing safeguarding policies. A deputy is strongly recommended.
⚠ Action required
1.6
Site Access & Security Controls
Access restricted to children, staff and supervised visitors. Sign-in procedures in place. Children supervised during social times. Risk assessments required for shared, community or home-based settings.
⚠ Action required
Part 2 · 6 Standards
Health & Safety
2.1
Health & Safety Policy
Comprehensive written H&S policy covering risk assessments (site, equipment, individual needs), lone working, medical conditions management, and accident reporting. Reviewed regularly. Staff trained.
⚠ Action required
2.2
First Aid Provision
Each site has a designated qualified first aider, a fully stocked first aid kit, and clear information on first aid locations visible to all. Community settings: a named person agreed with the host organisation.
⚠ Action required
2.3
Incident Recording & RIDDOR
All H&S and first aid incidents recorded in a log. Minor incidents reported to commissioners and parents or carers. Major or specified incidents reported to HSE under RIDDOR.
⚠ Action required
2.4
Specialist Equipment Safety Checks
Any specialist equipment used with children undergoes regular safety inspections carried out by suitably trained staff, consistent with industry standards and the provider's own risk assessments.
⚠ Action required
2.5
Staff Equipment Training
Staff supervising or instructing children in the use of specialist equipment hold appropriate qualifications, training and experience. Evidence retained.
⚠ Action required
2.6
Fire Safety Policy & Procedures
Fire risk assessment in place and regularly reviewed. Evacuation plan with clearly marked escape routes. Fire detection systems maintained. Children familiarised with procedures via regular drills.
⚠ Action required
Part 3 · 5 Standards
Admissions, Support & Guidance
3.1
Clear Admissions Policies
Fair and transparent admissions policies with an overview of the provision's aims, offer and suitability criteria. Named contact provided for commissioners and parents. Compliant with the Equality Act 2010.
⚠ Action required
3.2
Record-Keeping
Comprehensive records for each child: emergency contacts, attendance history, academic reports, EHC/learning plans, health needs, exclusion records and safeguarding information. Shared with commissioners at placement start.
⚠ Action required
3.3
Induction Process
Welcoming induction covering placement outcomes, safeguarding and H&S information. Baseline assessments completed, individual learning plans with timetables created, and risk assessments where safeguarding concerns are flagged.
⚠ Action required
3.4
Attendance Tracking & Reporting
Attendance recorded every session. Unexplained absences followed up urgently and reported to commissioners within 30 minutes of session start. Attendance strategies reviewed with commissioners at least every 6 weeks.
⚠ Action required
3.5
Behaviour Support Policy
Written behaviour policy applied consistently. Staff trained in de-escalation. Significant behaviour incidents reported to commissioners and parents on the same day. Progress reviewed at least every 6 weeks.
⚠ Action required
Part 4 · 4 Standards
Quality of Education
4.1
Staff Skills & Qualifications
Teaching staff and instructors have sufficient knowledge, skills and experience in the subjects / activities they deliver. QTS not required but appropriate qualifications and relevant experience working with children are expected.
⚠ Action required
4.2
Curriculum Planning & Documentation
Documented curriculum approach, schemes of work and intended outcomes (qualifications, accreditations). Curriculum appropriate to age, aptitude and individual needs including SEND. Literacy and numeracy addressed where the provider delivers all of a child's education.
⚠ Action required
4.3
Progress Monitoring & Re-integration Planning
Children's learning performance recorded and assessed throughout the placement against targets set at induction. Assessments reviewed at least every 6 weeks with commissioners. Under-performance escalated early; placements reviewed if insufficient progress continues.
⚠ Action required
4.4
Self-Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
Provider continuously evaluates its own effectiveness. Methods include: internal improvement plans, self-assessment of staff and pupil progress, feedback from children/parents/commissioners, audit reports, and acting on QA visit findings.
⚠ Action required
Compliance Summary & Action Plan
Rate standards above to see your gap analysis here. Gaps and partial ratings will appear as priority actions.
Met in Full
—
standards
Partially Met
—
need development
Not Yet Met
—
priority gaps
Not Applicable
—
standards
📊
Rate each standard above — your priority actions will appear here automatically.