Nursery World - A parent's guide to inspections

The way private day nurseries, playgroups, childminders, creches and out-of school clubs are regulated is changing from 3 September. The Early Years Directorate, run by the schools inspectorate, Ofsted, will enforce national standards. How is this different from before?

How is this different from before?

Local authorities were previously responsible for registering and inspecting all daycare providers under the Children Act 1989. They all had their own interpretations of the Act, which meant that care standards varied. There will now be one national set of care standards and one organisation applying them. It should also result in improved care standards as it is likely that the number of qualified staff will have to increase to meet the new requirements.

The fact that the school inspectorate is taking over the regulation of childcare providers does not mean there will be a bias towards education; the first priority will remain the safety of children.

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