Ofsted tightens training requirement for registered childminders
Childminders will be required to undertake relevant training before applying to the childcare register under proposals for Ofsted’s revised early years inspection and registration regime
In light of the recommendations set out in the review of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Ofsted has published its consultation on changes to how it will register and inspect settings including nurseries and childminders.
The consultation sets out the inspectorate’s aspiration to allow registered providers more autonomy in managing services and focus attention on progress in children’s learning and development.
Currently, childminders can be accepted onto the register without relevant experience, but are required to undertake training within six months of registration, but Ofsted’s proposals seek to change this.
Jean Humphrys, Ofsted’s director of education and care, said: “Removing unnecessary regulation and bureaucracy is important to providers. Ofsted is aiming to find the right level of enforcement to ensure that children are safe and well cared for. Our overriding ambition it to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life.
“The changes we are proposing provide a balance. They will reassure parents that our systems and processes for regulating early years and childcare providers are robust, preventing unsuitable people from having access to children, while simplifying inspection for those providing care.”
Other changes include the way concerns are investigated. Under the proposals, the watchdog will carry out a full inspection and publish the report on its website if it receives information that raises concerns about the setting, in an attempt to offer greater transparency to parents.
On all other inspections, Ofsted proposes to continue visiting each setting once in every 47-month period. Unnanounced inspections for most group provision will also remain and childminders and holiday playschemes will be called no more than five days in advance of an inspection.
Ofsted is encouraging all those with an interest in early years, including parents and carers, to respond to the consultation before 6 April.
Source: CYP NOW
