Ofsted
From September 2001, Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education) will be responsible for the regulation of providers of childcare services.
So what does that mean for childminders?
From September 2001 the registration and inspection of all childminders will done by Ofsted instead of the local councils registration and inspection unit. Childcarers will also have to meet the new national standards. Ofsted will take over the registration of new childminders in July. Annual inspection of current childminders will be done by the local council until September.
How will the inspection change?
When a person applies for registration a Childcare Inspector will discuss with them how they intend to provide a childcare service, the suitability of people who care for the children will be checked and the premises where the children will be cared for. Once registered childminders will be inspected annually. Already registered childminders may well recognise their Ofsted inspectors as many of the local councils inspectors will transfer to Ofsted to continue their work. During the inspection childcare providers with need to show that that children are safe, well cared for and take part in activities that contribute to their development and learning. Inspectors will check the childminders work against the national standards, you will be able to see the documents they use. Inspection are likely to last between one and two hours. You are unlikely to notice a big difference between your last local council inspection and your first Ofsted inspection.
So what do you have to do?
If your already registered with the local council then there is nothing you need to do at this stage. Ofsted will write to you during the summer to explain how your registration will be transferred. Annual inspection will continue to be done by the local council until September. If you want to apply for registration then you need to apply to Ofsted. They will provide you with all the information you need to make an application.
You may like to get a copy of the new standards so you can start working towards them now. For more information on the standards click here.
Where can you find out more?
You can visit Ofsteds website at www.ofsted.gov.uk/about/childcare.htm
Phone the NCMA Ofsted helpline on 0800 064 6100 weekdays between 9-5.
