Childminders see quality rise
Ofsted has released its annual report.
Catherine Farrell, Joint Chief Executive at NCMA said "It is
extremely encouraging to note that since the introduction of the
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the number of registered
childminders achieving a good or outstanding Ofsted grading is
higher than ever before, having risen to 65% this year, up from 59%
last year.
"The number of registered childminders achieving higher outcomes
in areas of deprivation is however lower than in more affluent
areas and this is a trend NCMA wants to see addressed.
"Ofsted acknowledges that there is clear evidence that
childminders who are part of quality assurance schemes are much
more likely to achieve ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ grading. This backs
up our own evidence that quality improvement childminding networks,
such as NCMA Children Come First networks, deliver real benefits
for registered childminders and the children in their
care.
"NCMA is working to ensure that a new flexible quality
improvement scheme is available in every local authority and this
must be supported by investment in local professional development
opportunities for individual childminders to ensure the continuing
improvement of the services they provide, to all children and
families, in all areas."
A copy of the report is available from www.ofsted.gov.uk (external
link)