Nursery World - Ofsted starts new early years task

Ofsted officially took over the inspection of all early years provision in England this week. From Monday, its newly-formed Early Years Directorate extended Oftsed's work to include the registration and inspection of full and sessional daycare in day nurseries, playgroups and pre-schools, childminders, cr ches and out-of-school provision. However, since the beginning of July it has been registering all new care providers.

From Monday, its newly-formed Early Years Directorate extended Oftsed's work to include the registration and inspection of full and sessional daycare in day nurseries, playgroups and pre-schools, childminders, cr ches and out-of-school provision. However, since the beginning of July it has been registering all new care providers.

The change from a local service run by 150 separate local authorities to one national service run by Ofsted follows on from a Government pledge to create a level playing field for care providers across England and to do away with regional anomalies. Under the Care Standards Act 2000, all childcare providers must be registered by Ofsted and must meet the new national standards published by the Department for Education and Skills.

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