OFSTED takes over childcare

In future the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) will approve and regulate childcare services throughout England. The Daycare Trust explains what will this mean for working parents and their children

From September 2001, local councils will no longer be responsible for registering and inspecting childcare services. Instead, OFSTED, the government body that inspects schools, will in future register and inspect nurseries, playgroups and pre-schools, crèches, out-of-school care and childminders for children up to the age of eight. OFSTED, which is responsible for improving standards of achievement and quality of education, has set up a new Early Years Directorate to take on childcare services. Daycare Trust, the national childcare campaign, has welcomed the drive to ensure consistent standards across the country, so parents know what to expect for their children.

What will OFSTED do?

OFSTED’s Early Years Directorate will vet new childcare providers who will have to meet a set of national standards in order to register. This will mean that the care provided to children meets consistent standards of quality across the country.

Stephen Burke, Director of Daycare Trust, said: ‘The new Standards and the work of OFSTED’s Early Years Directorate could have a powerful and positive effect on children’s well-being and safety in childcare and public confidence in the quality of childcare services. This opportunity must not be missed.’

One or more Childcare Inspectors will check on childcare providers every year. During the inspection, they will need to show that children are safe, well cared for and take part in activities that contribute to their development and learning.

Childcare providers who do not meet the national standards will have to make improvements within a set timescale. OFSTED will also look into complaints and take appropriate action when necessary.