What will the inspection be like, and what should nurseries do to prepare?
The inspection process is very similar to that which private nurseries are used to. In drawing up Ofsted's inspection approach, we looked extensively at what local authorities were doing, and built on the best practice we found.
Before inspections nurseries will be asked to complete a simple form, to help us bring the records transferred from local authorities up to date. Members should return it to the appropriate Ofsted Early Years Regional Centre. It will help the inspector plan the inspection visit, which is likely to last a full day. If the nursery is large or complex, we may send two inspectors.
In preparing for the inspection, nurseries should check that their provision meets the DfES National Standards (1). Ofsted's Guidance (2) will help as it gives information on our 'outcome'-based approach. Inspectors will not conduct an audit, but engage in professional dialogue with nurseries on how they believe their provision meets the national standards. There are many different ways this can be achieved and our inspectors will not have a preconceived view of any particular approach.
Will there be any feedback?
Yes. Before inspectors leave, they will make sure that the provider is clear about any action that needs to be taken to meet the new national standards, and will agree a timescale for that action. The written report will be sent later. The format of these reports can now be viewed on the Ofsted website. Before the reports are published, providers will have an opportunity to correct any factual errors.
Providers are particularly worried about the requirement to produce an operational plan. Can you allay their fears?
Ofsted guidance gives details of what a plan should contain, and says that if the provider has all the information, but in a number of different documents, such as the daily routine and policy statements, there is no need to produce anything else.
Why have some providers had difficulties getting the forms they need for new employees, especially the 'police check' - known as DC2 - forms?
We are aware there have been difficulties. All the forms are on Ofsted's website, and we have sent bulk copies to local authorities, generally the partnerships and Children's Information Services, from whom forms can be obtained. Nursery owners must carry out a range of checks on new employees. Ofsted will help with police/criminal records check. Once the forms have been completed by employee and proprietor, they will be processed through the regional centre. In some circumstances, to provide continuity of care, existing providers can employ new people while checks are being carried out, but they must make sure such persons are always supervised.
Where can providers seek advice and support to improve their service?
Under-eights teams in local authorities retain responsibility for supplying providers and prospective providers with information, advice and training. The DfES will shortly publish and put on its website some guidance to help local authorities with their work.
What if providers want to take on more children now that the space requirements have been standardised?
Proprietors should write to the regional centre and a visit will be arranged. In these early days, the first call on our childcare inspectors'
time must be to investigate concerns and complaints expressed by local authorities, parents and others. We are scheduling all such requests into our programme. Ofsted will be reviewing timescales for its early years work, hoping we can eventually improve on the timescales officially specified.
If providers are unhappy about the inspector's work, can they appeal?
We are all working hard to make sure our reports are seen as credible by providers, give an accurate picture of the provision and identify what needs to be done to meet the national standards. However, providers can object to any conditions imposed by Ofsted, and we will review the case. The process will be very similar to that used by local authorities in the past. Providers can also complain about the way inspectors carried out the work by ringing our complaints helpline. This will connect them to the Complaints, Investigation and Enforcement team at the appropriate regional centre.
What is Ofsted doing to inform providers about the regional structure?
We have now posted more information on our website www.ofsted.gov.uk/ childcare about our regional centres and what they cover. Senior Ofsted staff are now joining early years partnerships, and accepting invitations to talk about the new structure at regional events.
Information
* Ofsted early years providers helpline, tel: 0845 601 4771
* Ofsted early years complaints helpline, tel: 0845 601 4772
The National Standards for Under-Eights Day Care and Childminding:
* Full day care ref. DfEE 0488/2001
* Creches ref. DfEE 0487/2001
* Childminding ref. DfEE 0486/2001
* Out-of-school care ref. DfEE 0489/2001
* Sessional care ref. DfEE 0490/2001 can be obtained from DfES Publications Centre, tel: 0845 6022260
Guidance to the National Standards
* Full day care ref. HMI 287 n Crechesref. HMI 285 n Childminding ref. HMI 286
* Out-of-school care ref. HMI 289
* Sessional day care ref. HMI 288 can be obtained from Ofsted's Publications Centre, tel: 07002 637833, fax: 07002 693274 or email freepublications@ofsted.gov.ukor website www.ofsted.gov.uk
