News
Ofsted Inspection Reports Outcomes (part 3)
We can pick out comments from recent Ofsted inspection cards and talk about them - that's what we have done when reviewing reports in part 1 and part 2 of our inspection outcome blogs series for childminder inspections. We must, of course, be cautious - sometimes, inspection outcomes are very specific to what the inspector sees in the specific early years setting. … read more
Early Years News April 2026
Welcome to April and spring! It's hopefully a time for longer days and sunny outside play in gardens and parks. What are you up to with the children this month? In many early years settings, April is about gardening with the children, growing herbs for sensory play and cooking and planting new seeds. … read more
Ofsted Inspection Reports Outcomes (part 2)
Ofsted introduced their new inspection framework from 10th November 2025. It is clear from reading the framework documents that Ofsted inspection has changed. … read more
Changes to Employment Law 2026
The current Labour Government has committed to strengthening rights for employees. There are several changes to employment law in the UK coming soon under the Employment Rights Act 2025. … read more
Early Years News March 2026
Welcome to March! As early years providers across the country prepare to start their spring activities and put winter behind them, Childcare.co.uk has trawled through the latest information and updates to make it easier for you to get on with the more important job of caring for children. … read more
Ofsted Inspection Report Outcomes
When we read Ofsted inspection reports, they give us an insight into what is happening during early years inspections. While they should not be considered without context, reports tell us the main areas of practice which are impacting on grades for colleagues, so we can learn from them and maybe make changes to our own provision and ways of working. … read more
Recent Safeguarding Concerns for Childminders
Child abuse cases are rare across all types of early years settings. Recent Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (previously known as serious case reviews), court cases and high-profile news items highlight failures – but we must remember that they are not commonly occurring when you look at everyday practice and the majority of early years providers offer safe, high-quality care. … read more
Early Years News February 2026
Welcome to your February 2026 newsletter from Childcare.co.uk. How has the new year been for you so far? We hope to make your work-life balance a little better by putting together the latest information from Ofsted, DfE etc into one easy to browse newsletter. … read more
Childcare.co.uk met with HMRC to talk about childminders, MTD and expenses
On 19th January 2026, Childcare.co.uk had an exclusive meeting with HMRC to talk about childminders, MTD, expenses and the historic 'childminder agreement'. Here is a summary of things we discussed with HMRC and our understanding of the changes. This is purely a report of our discussion and not accountancy or tax advice. … read more