Ofsted

What is Ofsted?

Ofsted inspect and regulate certain types of childcare in England including childminders and nurseries. Certain childcare providers must register with Ofsted.

All childminders in the UK who look after children under 8 years old in their own home for payment or reward must become Ofsted registered before they can start childminding. It is illegal to operate as a childminder in England if you are not an Ofsted registered childminder. Ofsted carry out DBS checks on people that apply to become Ofsted registered.

Ofsted also have a voluntary register for certain other types of childcare such as nannies

Ofsted registered childcare providers are regularly inspected and it is possible to view Ofsted inspection reports on their website at www.ofsted.gov.uk

If you are a parent, before you engage the services of a childminder you should check that they are Ofsted registered and ask to see their Ofsted registration certificate.