Childcare and Ofsted

Who are Ofsted?

Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills) is a government department that inspects and regulates institutions in England providing education to learners of all ages and providers of care for children and young people.

Ofsted inspect or regulate the following services:

• Childminders
• Full and sessional daycare providers
• Out of school care
• Crèches
• All state maintained schools
• Some independent schools
• The overall level of services for children in local authority areas

Inspection reports are available online at www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports

What does this mean for my child?

If a childcare provider is registered, it means that they have met certain standards set out by Ofsted. These standards include the suitability of the staff for working with children, and the suitability and safety of the premises. 

As part of the registration process, Ofsted carries out a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check to make sure all staff are suitable for working with children.

Ofsted  Childcare Registers

The Childcare Act 2006 introduced a new Ofsted Childcare Register with two parts, a compulsory and a voluntary part.

Compulsory

Childcarers who are paid for looking after children aged under eight years, for more than two hours a day must by law register with Ofsted.

Voluntary

Other childcarers who do not have to register by law can choose to register under the voluntary part of the register. This allows eligible parents to claim
tax credits or use childcare vouchers to help with childcare costs.

Types of childcare who can choose to register include:

• Those providing care for children aged over seven, such as childminders, breakfast clubs, after schools clubs, out of school activity clubs and holiday playschemes
• Activity based care (sports, drama, language or art clubs)
• Care provided in the child's home such as nannies and au pairs or home based care for disabled children.
  

How do I know if my childcare provider is registered?

All registered childcare providers will hold a current registration certificate, ask the provider to let you see this.  If they refuse or are unable to show you this you can contact our Family Information Service or Ofsted on 0845 404045 to check if they are registered.

Making a complaint about childcare

If you have a complaint or concern about your childcare you can contact the Ofsted helpline on 0300 123 1231 or email them at enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk

You can visit the Ofsted complaints page where you can find a leaflet and factsheet providing information about how to raise your concerns.

Further information and contacting us

For further information, or if you would like to speak to someone on a one to one basis, contact our Family Information Service

Phone

0800 952 5678 (freephone)

0116 225 4890 (local rate)

Online

Email:              family@leicester.gov.uk

Website:          http://families.leicester.gov.uk/