Childcare FAQs - ask a question here
Frequently asked questions answered by Sharon Taylor of Little Darlings Wilmslow Day Care. Sharon is an Ofsted registered NVQ 3 qualified childminder with over 13 years experience.
- Q. What is registered childcare?
- A. Registered childcare is childcare that has been inspected and passed by Ofsted to care for children under the age of 8 years.
- Q. What is Ofsted?
- A. Ofsted stands for: Office for Standards in Education, and is an organisation appointed by the UK government to oversee and enforce standards in education an childcare.
- Q. Do registered childminders have to meet the same Ofsted standards as say a nursery?
- A. Yes, registered childminders must meet Ofsted requirements.
- Q. Are registered childminders subject to Ofsted inspections?
- A. Yes. Registered childminders are subject to the same random and three yearly Ofsted inspections, and, must meet the same criteria as nurseries and schools.
- Q. Do childminders follow the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) as nurseries?
- A. Yes. The EYFS Framework is law and all those who work with young children have to use this holistic approach to the learning and development of children.
- Q. How do I know that the childminder / nursery is using the EYFS Framework to a good required standard?
- A. The childcarers should be providing EYFS Framework evidence in the form of written observations, photos and planning reports.
- Q. Are there other mandatory requirements for registered childminders?
- A. Yes. The childcarers have to hold a relevant CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) certificate to show that they are suitable to look after young children. The childcare setting has to have up to date paediatric first aid certificates.
- Q. Can I get help towards childcare costs if I use a childminder as opposed to a nursery?
- A. Yes you can. If you are entitled, you can get up to 80% of your childcare costs paid via the childcare element of the working tax credit. Another avenue is the Childcare Voucher Scheme.
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