Childminders caring for “young children” (until the child has reached the end of the reception year in school) must register on the Early Years Register
Childminders caring for children aged 5-7 years must register on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register
Childminders caring only for children over 8 years may choose to register on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register
Find out how to register with Ofsted as a childminder, and what you will need to tell us about.Becoming a childminder and running your business
Find out how to register with Ofsted as a nanny, and what you will need to tell us about. Becoming a nanny
Find out how you can still register for childcare with Ofsted if you do not meet the requirements of being a childminder, nanny, nursery or other daycare. Joining the Childcare Register and running the business
There are two types of Ofsted Inspections. For pre-registration childminders, the registration inspection (usually called a registration visit) will determine the suitability of your home and yourself for the role of an Ofsted Registered Childminder.
Ofsted has produced a guide ‘Ofsted inspections: what EY Providers and Practitioners need to know’. This guide contains frequently asked questions and reflects the changes in the EYFS for Childminders January 2024.
For childminders already registered, your inspection will be graded. Ofsted inspection of early years providers will focus on children’s education and their personal and emotional development and the progress children make in their learning. The results of the graded inspections are published on the Ofsted website. Inspectors will check a sample of your documentation as well as observing you working with minded children.
Childminders who are only registered on the Childcare Register will not all be routinely inspected, but Ofsted carry out inspections on 10% at random. However, if there is a concern about the care provided by a childminder on the Childcare Register, this will be investigated by Ofsted and may result in an inspection.
If you are on the Early Years Register you will be inspected by Ofsted and receive one of the following grades
If you are not meeting all the EYFS requirements you will be given either an Inadequate or Requires Improvement grade and you will be issued actions to complete. You will be sent a form that will need completing and returning to Ofsted once you have completed the actions by the date given.
You may also be given recommendations which are good practice tips to help you to improve the practice you have.
If you are meeting all the EYFS requirements you will either be given a Good or Outstanding grade based on the quality of the environment and experiences you provide for the children in your care and the quality of interactions and information shared with parents and any other professionals who are involved with the children. You will be given recommendations which are designed to help you improve the service you offer and either progress to an outstanding grade or maintain the outstanding service you have created.
