Nursery World - Childminders told what to expect from inspectors

Ofsted is not responsible for formulating the policy which allows childminders in England to smack children and smoke in their presence, only for implementing it, childminders were told at a conference in London last week. Maggie Smith, the head of Ofsted's new Early Years Directorate, told delegates at a seminar organised by the National Childminding Association that she could not comment on Government policy because the election had not then taken place. But, she said, Ofsted's childcare inspectors would be expected to ask questions such as 'Are the children safe and well cared for, are they doing worthwhile and engaging things, are things done well, what could be improved?'

Maggie Smith, the head of Ofsted's new Early Years Directorate, told delegates at a seminar organised by the National Childminding Association that she could not comment on Government policy because the election had not then taken place. But, she said, Ofsted's childcare inspectors would be expected to ask questions such as 'Are the children safe and well cared for, are they doing worthwhile and engaging things, are things done well, what could be improved?'

She stressed that it was important for childminders and early years partnerships to be aware of the responsibilities retained by local authorities after daycare regulation transfers to the Directorate, including training.

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