Inspections

Childminders in England are registered and inspected by Ofsted. In Wales, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) is responsible for childminders' registration and inspection.

Most childminders are inspected every two to three years. The inspection is to ensure that providers are working to the registration requirements of either England or Wales - the minimum standards to which all providers must work.

Childminders in both countries need to complete a self-evaluation form which helps the inspector carry out the inspection.

Registered childminders in England must deliver and are inspected against the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

In Wales, the National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare in Wales outline the inspection requirements for childminders in Wales.

In both countries, the inspectors look at the child's experience of the childminding setting and consider parents' views as part of the inspection.

Ofsted inspections are provided on its behalf in England by two companies - Tribal Group plc in the South, and Prospects Services Ltd in the North and Midlands.

PACEY works closely with Ofsted, Tribal Group and Prospect Services to ensure all inspectors are fully aware of the unique nature of childminding settings.