door keys

[4365]

Although I keep window keys on (hidden) hooks by windows I have never known what to do with door keys. All external doors apart from the front door are locked unless in use but should I also lock the front door and what about the keys to all doors. Have been told recently that another childminder was downgraded because her front door wasn't locked. Or would a chain be better?

Anni

[banana]

I have locks at the top of my door so the children cant reach it. i dont use a key to lock/unlock the door through the day, only the bolt locks, its always kept in my bag.
someone metioned to me that ofsted check doors are locked so children cant get out on their own and strangers cant get in - which is of course sensible.

[angeldelight]

My doors are always locked

My keys are kept where children can not reach them

Yes Anni I would keep my front door locked at all times

If you are having an Ofsted inspection it is best to lock the door when they enter then "You" tell them that you are locking the door for safety reasons then explain you put keys in a safe place - Ofsted prefer you to point things out to them rather than they having to ask you

Angel xx

[carolinel]

I do the same with door keys, I have a hook next to the door which is hidden with the spare door key on it. Ofsted inspector suggested that's what I do at my initial inspection

Caroline.

[Pauline]

I agree doors must be locked but make sure the keys are close to the door in case of the need for emergency evacuation.

If you have to fetch the keys from another part of the house then Ofsted might downgrade you for not considering emergency needs.

I've heard of some minders that carry keys to all doors on them at all times they are minding but having them around your neck or a bunch of keys in your pocket isn't always practical.

Also - keep all doors clear of obstruction or you might be downgraded for that as it would slow down emergency evacuation.

[4365]

Thanks for all your advice everyone. I will hang them up by the door then! Not had this mentioned in my inspection or initial visit but it has been on my mind.

Anni

[angeldelight]

Hi Anni

It is always best to be one step ahead of the inspector

Have you got an inspection coming up or are you just thinking ahead ?

Angel xx

[stacie1985]

hello just thought i would say at college we have been told that we must have doors locked at all times and have keys hanging by them for when ofsted come and windows must also have keys hanging by them we were told this had to be done!!

[asila]

My doors are always locked and bolted (just in case!) The keys are close by but out of reach of the children.

[smartypants]

Hi... My doors are always locked. I hang my keys on the wall by the door, so in an emergency they are at hand...

I even lock myself in when im not working habits ah lol

[sarah3339]

My inspector said to not have door locked but to have a bolt across it at the top of the door.

Don't know about you but I'm only 5"2 and older children are almost my height and will be able to reach it too!!!!!!!!!

[tasha]

Hi,

I lock the door and keep the keys on a hook next to the door.

Tasha

[daisychainminder]

i was also advised to lock all doors and have both chain and keys on hock

[sarahnev707]

Correct me if i'm wrong - but aren't the police totally anti hooks next to doors because of burglars pushing things through letter boxes to get at the keys?? i am sure i read something recently about not being insured if you make it easy for the theif......

AND when i asked the fireman who came recently about door keys generally, he said if the house was full of smoke you weren't going to be able to find them on a hook.....

So i took his advice and had a yale fitted to my front door and I use that during working hours when i'm in the house - the 5 lever one is for when i'm out

not sure i'm being helpful!!

Sarahx

[susan]

when i had my registration inspection back in march the inspector told me the door must be unlocked but secured with a bolt as the chain I had on was not good enough, hands could life it off from outside or inside and the key must be out. The same with patio doors or back doors. We have double aptio doors and she told me the left hand side one must be locked at all times with the key removed and the left hand one unlocked with a sash jammer fitted at a height children cant reach
xxx