Over the next three years all registered providers will be inspected under the new framework. The new regime includes unannounced visits for nurseries and out-of-school clubs.
Out of more than 1,000 reports published, just 16 providers achieved the 'outstanding' grade. The new grades are 'outstanding', 'good', 'satisfactory' and 'inadequate'. Providers have to prove themselves 'outstanding' in the five inspection areas to be awarded 'outstanding'
overall.
Ofsted's director of early years, Maurice Smith, said, 'This is a fantastic achievement by those who work in the childcare profession and go all-out to provide a top class service, whether they are a childminder or work in a nursery.'
Fourteen of the 16 providers rated outstanding were childminders. One of them, Tracey Dixon from Urmston, Manchester, said, 'I'm really pleased. I felt I'd done well but I was still surprised.' She has been a childminder for three years and is a network childminder for the National Childminding Association.
Ofsted inspectors praised 'the highly effective child-centred environment where children experienced consistent support, praise and encouragement'.
Another outstanding provider was Woodleys Out of School Club in Marlborough, Wiltshire. The club is a registered charity based on the site of St Michael's Church of England Primary School and has been running since 1999. Julie Kent, the club's treasurer, said, 'I think what impressed the inspector was that children came up to her spontaneously saying how much they loved coming to the club.' The club's playleader Hazel Keen, was awarded Playleader of the Year in last year's Childcare Stars Awards.
In another move, parents will be able to view childminder reports on the Ofsted website for the first time and search for registered childminders in their area by typing in their postcode. They will then be able to find the names and addresses of those they are interested in by contacting their local children's information service. However, childminders can choose to opt out of having their details available on request if they wish.
Bridge Childcare in County Durham was also named as an outstanding provider.
