How we inspect
The Early Years Register
We will inspect settings registered on the Early Years Register at least once within the first three or four years of the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We carry out inspections with little or no notice.
We carry out inspections of settings registered on the Early Years Register to judge the quality and standards of the provision in relation to the welfare, learning and development of children as set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage. We inspect:
- childminders
- childcare on non-domestic premises
- childcare on domestic premises.
Our inspectors give provision one of four grades: outstanding, good, satisfactory or inadequate. To help inspectors reach a judgment they will consider 'What is it like for a child here?'
To answer this important question, inspectors will judge how effectively the childminder or childcare provider:
- meets the needs of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) taking into consideration how well the setting is able to maintain continuous improvement
- is led and managed taking into consideration how well they: use self-evaluation to promote improvement; work in partnership with parents, carers and others; safeguard children; deploy resources in order to meet the needs of the children; promote equality and diversity; communicate an ambitious vision for the setting and drive and secure improvement
- helps children in the Early Years Foundation Stage learn and develop, and ensures their welfare is promoted taking into consideration how well they help children to: feel safe; adopt healthy lifestyles; achieve well and enjoy their learning; make a positive contribution; develop skills for the future that will contribute to their future economic well-being.
To reach these judgments, the inspector takes into consideration the welfare, learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework.
The Childcare Register
We will inspect a random selection of all those on the Childcare Register. We will also inspect all providers where we receive a complaint about the childcare provision that relates to the requirements of registration or any conditions we may have imposed on the registration. We carry out inspections with little or no notice, unless providers are home childcarers, in which case we seek the consent of parents.
If we decide to inspect, an inspector will visit the provision to check compliance with the requirements and will give feedback on the outcome of the inspection. Read more about the Requirements for the Childcare Register for childcare providers and childminders.
At the inspection visit, the inspector will:
- talk to the provider, the children and any staff members and observe the provision to make sure policies are being put into practice
- check registration details and assess compliance with, and understanding of, the requirements of registration
- assess the safety of the premises and risk assessments
- assess any member of staff’s understanding of policies and procedures
- look at recruitment policies, where applicable
- look at arrangements for making sure unvetted people do not have unsupervised access to children.