Who needs to be registered with Ofsted and what does it mean?
All childcare providers caring for children from birth to 31 August after their fifth birthday, must register with Ofsted on the Early Years Register (EYR). All providers on the Early Years Register must follow the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
All childcare providers caring for children from 1 September following their fifth birthday up to the age of 8, must register with Ofsted on the Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR). Most childminders and out of school provision are on both the EYR and CCR registers. There is a third register, the Voluntary Childcare Register (VCR) for individuals/groups for whom registration is not compulsory-this includes Nannies.
The registration process is robust, including enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks, and Ofsted inspectors make non-scheduled or short notice visits to monitor the care and education provided. Parents are encouraged to ask the provider for a copy of their latest inspection reports which are also available on www.ofsted.gov.uk.
What is the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and what does it mean for the care and education of children?
The aim of the revised EYFS is to ensure that all children under five in childcare benefit from a safe, secure and happy environment where they can play and develop, laying the foundation for their future development.
All Ofsted registered childcare settings; including registered childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools, school nursery and reception classes are required to deliver the EYFS. All registered childcare providers work to the same standard of provision and Ofsted, through their inspection process decide how well they achieve these standards and publish the results on www.ofsted.gov.uk .