However, it is incorrect to say that childminders 'top quality' over nurseries. There are 71,200 childminders and 13,600 day nurseries in England, so this means 1.1 per cent of day nurseries are 'outstanding'
compared with 0.9 per cent of childminders.
Of course, this is a negligible difference, but it is important to recognise that day nurseries are very comparable in terms of quality with childminders. Headline figures may seem to show a higher number of 'outstanding' childminders but it is important to remember that this can be expected when there is a much higher number of childminders.
Achieving an 'outstanding' rating is a real achievement for any childcare setting, and we are pleased that special recognition has been given to all the providers who have reached this level. NDNA hopes to see Ofsted using examples of 'outstanding' provision innovatively - for example, by creating case studies to support other settings in achieving this level.
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