Background

Ofsted is a non-ministerial government department established under the Education (Schools) Act 1992 to take responsibility for the inspection of all schools in England, whether state or independent. Since 2001, Ofsted has also been responsible for the regulation of early years childcare, including childminders.

In 1997, the government decided to fund a free nursery place for every three to four year-old whose parents wanted one. Many of these places were offered in the private, voluntary or independent sector, and the government asked Ofsted also to inspect progress in these settings towards the same early learning goals.

Before a person or organisation can work as a childminder or provide day care for children under eight they must apply to register with Ofsted. Ofsted will then check that they are able to meet 14 National Standards set in law by government. After registration Ofsted usually inspect the setting again within seven months, and at least once every three years thereafter.

Conditions of Registration

When registering daycare providers, Ofsted imposes conditions of registration which the provider must adhere to. These conditions set out the maximum number of children of different age groups that the provider can care for; any restrictions on the premises where the care is provided; and any other condition that may be necessary. The conditions are also included on the registration certificate, which the provider must display on the premises.

Inspection Reports

Ofsted have been publishing reports for daycare providers from inspections carried out since 1 April 2003 and reports are currently published up to 50 working days after the inspection.