We just had a compliance visit... and here are 4 things I want you to know

Last week our Inspired NSW Family Day Care Service had a compliance visit. On one day  multiple officers from the NSW Regulatory Authority visited 9 of our educators. 

I've just stepped back (temporarily!) into the role of Nominated Supervisor and so my phone was buzzing all day with updates and questions from educators. Our team was in constant contact and the support and general vibe was positive. 

Of course, compliance visits make services and educators nervous. We worry that we are going to get "picked up" for things, or judged or questioned, or that the authorised officers won't understand why we do what we do. 

On the second day of our compliance check, two of the officers visited our head office and we sat down and discussed the previous days visits and any steps that needed to be taken. Within an hour, I felt reassured that our amazing educators were nailing it! And what a great feeling. 

Over a week on, reflecting on the process, and having had time to talk to educators and our team,  I recognise that it isn't always smooth sailing for compliance visits - sometimes services struggle to meet the regulations, or have overlooked a key change or update within the sector, but  there are things that we can do to shape the experience.

4 Things I want You to Know about Compliance Visits

1. Treat it as an opportunity to learn and grow - there will always be things we dont fully understand, or that we can get better at - if we reach a state of "perfection" we should probably just get out of the sector all together! Getting a new set of eyes on your programs, practices and environments can be a huge opportunity to learn
2. Ask questions - you have the right to ask questions like "can you tell me which part of the regulations that relates to?" Or "what might that look like in practice?"  Seeking clarification is key - unfortunately we do hear cases where services are told to do something during a compliance visit, but can't seem to link that request to a regulation, which can be problematic and an example of a personal opinion or preference impacting the visit.
3. Transparency and openness is key - if you don't understand something, acknowledge it and ask where to next. Authorised officers are regular people, trying to support services to run quality programs for children and families. Their aim isn't to pick on you or shut you down (unless your service is unsafe for children and of course, that may be the right outcome!)
4. Always be prepared for a compliance visit - while you might have had one a few months ago and have breathed a sigh of relief and thought "we're safe now!" Its important to always be working in a way that is ready for a visit - any complaint or incident or even a change of details (as in our case) may spark a compliance check, and being prepared for that will make the world of difference. 

Compliance checks aren't something to be afraid of - they can be an amazing opportunity to show how well your service is doing and to gain valuable insight, ideas and a source of reflection and growth within your team. 

Are there challenges at times? Yes. Do they all always go smoothly? No. But I think when we take the right mindset into a compliance check, we see the value in the opportunity and we grow as early childhood professionals.

Want more support to be prepared for compliance visits. Similar to our A&R prep visits, we regularly visit services for a compliance check. It's a great way to feel confident and prepared for a compliance check at any time! Email info@inspiredec.com if you want to know more! You can also book a FREE 15 min phone consultation HERE