Choosing childcare

It can be daunting, but there is information available to help you decide on the type and quality of childcare you want

 

OFSTED’s websiteE www.ofsted.gov.uk contains copies of inspection reports together with details of the conditions attached to registration for every childminder and day-care provider registered in England.These reports present a comprehensive and impartial picture, each setting a quality grading and clearly state any improvements Ofsted has asked for. Here are some simple steps to follow when choosing childcare:

1. Contact your local Children’s information Service There’s one in every local authority.
   You can ask them which type of childcare would be best for your child and obtain a list of available vacancies in your area. Call 0800 6 6 to find your nearest service.
2. Check if the day-care provider or childminder is registered with ofsted.
   Ofsted requires day-care providers and childminders who look after children, once registered, to display their registration certificate. Registration confirms that the people who provide childcare and the premises they use are suitable. It is also proof that the setting has met the required standards laid down by the government.
3. Read the childcare provider’s conditions of registration on ofsted’s website Conditions of registration set limits on what registered providers can do.
   They tell you how many children, and in what age groups, the childcare provider is allowed to care for.They will also tell you if Ofsted gave permission for the childcare provider to care for children overnight. Occasionally Ofsted set conditions on other things, for example saying that some parts of the premises may not be used for childcare.
4. Read ofsted inspection reports.
   Ofsted inspects every registered childminder and day-care provider for children under eight and awards a judgement of the quality of care offered within seven months of registration, and then at least once in every three years. If the provider offers government- funded early education places, they also judge the quality of education offered.

Complaints

If you have concerns that your childcare provider is not meeting required standards you should talk to the provider directly. If you are still not satisfied, you can contact Ofsted on 08456 404040. It will look into your concerns and, if necessary, will require the provider to make improvements. For more information visit www.ofsted.gov.uk

Providers who look after children aged eight and over; nannies; and activity-based providers such as sports clubs are not required by law to register with ofsted. but they can now choose to do so by joining the voluntary part of ofsted’s Childcare Register. Voluntary registration means that the provider has agreed to meet standards designed to safeguard children. ofsted does not carry out routine inspections of providers on the voluntary part of the register but will always carry out an inspection if a complaint is received and will also select some providers who register voluntarily for inspection at random each year. Using a voluntarily registered provider also means that eligible parents can access working tax credits. if you want to know about the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, please visit ofsted website www.ofsted.gov.uk, or call our helpline on 08456 404040.

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