Inspection in England
Childminders in England are registered and
inspected by Ofsted – the same body responsible for inspecting
schools. All childminders registered on Ofsted's Early Years
Register will be inspected against Early Years Foundation
Stage.
Childminders are inspected at least once every three years to
ensure the quality of the care they are providing. Inspectors visit
the childminder and check that their home is safe and secure.
Childminders in England are registered on one or both parts of
the Childcare Register. They must therefore meet the requirements
of one or both parts of the register at all times when providing
childcare.
Ofsted will normally only inspect a childminder's setting when
they are caring for children. If the inspection is on a day when
you don't have children with you, it is unlikely you
will get a top grade, as the inspector takes into account the
views and experience of the children and their families.
Ofsted has produced a factsheet which outlines the requirements
which must be met. This covers details of the children's welfare,
the suitability of people in contact with the children, the safety
of premises and equipment and the procedure for dealing with
complaints. Ofsted also publishes a useful leaflet
Are you ready for your inspection?
A website from the Department for Education and 4Children
includes a useful tool to help you decide which register you should
be on. Access the site using the link on the right.
If you have not cared for children in the past three years,
Ofsted may remove you from the register. Find out more about
this here.