OFSTED

• Protect children

• Ensure that childminding and day care providers meet the National Standards

• Reassure people arranging childcare that their child will be safe

• Promote high quality in the provision of care and learning

There are four aspects to the regulation of child care:

• Registration shows that the provider is deemed qualified to care for children and that the premises are suitable

• Investigation of providers ensures a regular check of their work

• Inspection of providers ensures the monitoring of National Standards

• Enforcement is used when the National Standards and Associated Regulations are not met

A set of National Standards are used by OFSTED. These standards are a set of "outcomes" that providers should aim to achieve. Providers will reach these outcomes in different ways, depending on the particular circumstances they operate in.

Each standard has supporting criteria which gives advice about how the standard can be met

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