Mixed picture for childminders
Ofsted has published data on childcare providers and
inspection outcomes for the period to the end of March
2010.
The numbers of childminders receiving ‘good’ and
‘outstanding’ ratings remains at a high level: 66 percent, up
from 64 percent last year.
There is also a very good picture emerging among settings
classed as ‘Childcare on Domestic Premises’, where more than four
childminders care for children together. Results show that 70 per
cent of these settings are achieving ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’
results.
This is great news for the home-based childcare sector and
demonstrates a commitment to the continuous improvement and
provision of high quality childcare.
NCMA is pleased to see that the number of nannies registering is
continuing to rise, but what is worrying is that registered
childminder numbers are continuing to decline.
NCMA continues to monitor the situation closely
and continues to collect feedback from former
childminders as to why they have left the profession.
It is encouraging is that, although overall the number of
practising childminders is falling, over 1600 new childminders have
chosen to join the profession this quarter.
It is crucial that all childminders are able to access a
dedicated quality improvement network to raise the quality of
home-based childcare provision yet further. Support from a
dedicated network coordinator can make a real difference to a
childminder who essentially works on their own.
Evidence suggests that there is a strong link between
childminders’ participation in a quality improvement scheme and
higher levels of ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ outcomes in Ofsted
inspections.”
You can view the figures on
Ofsted's website (external link).
Page last updated on :
6/7/2010