Do parents need more detailed information to be able to make an informed choice about childcare?
This is the question that underpins Ofsted's latest consultation, which is inviting feedback from the sector on whether more information about registered childcarers should be published on its website.
Speaking at last week's NDNA conference, Ofsted deputy director Jean Humphrys urged delegates to respond. 'We need to know whether nurseries think this will be useful for parents when choosing childcare and whether it will help to raise awareness of quality in the sector,' she said.
The additional information includes opening times and duration of the provider, numbers and ages of the children for registered care, and information about complaints that were made but did not result in enforcement action.
At Puffins of Exeter Childcare Centres, operations director Gemma Rolstone says, 'I agree with the principle that anything that gives parents more information is a good thing - as long as that information is correct. I was concerned that when Ofsted came to inspect us, it had had incorrect details about our group of nurseries, although we have kept it up to date.
'Research shows that the Ofsted website itself is not at the top of the list when it comes to parents doing their research and making their choice about a nursery. So I'm not sure if this move would have much of an impact.'
She adds, 'If Ofsted could ensure that all of its information is accurate, this could be useful, but at the moment I am not convinced it has the time or the manpower to manage it.'
A self-regulatory system
According to Jean Humphrys, Ofsted will be applying the lessons it has learned from its pilot inspections in preparation for the EYFS.
'Inspection reports must be easy to read and contain judgements about the things that are important to parents,' she said. 'A nursery's reputation, safety and security are the key factors when it comes to parental choice of childcare.'
She said Ofsted intends to reduce inspections of settings that consistently perform well and where there are no concerns, moving towards a more self-regulatory system. Its revised self-evaluation form is now available online.
The shape of inspections to come will reflect the intention to drive up quality in line with the EYFS. 'When we inspect. we won't necessarily be checking all the welfare requirements, but we will be focusing on children's outcomes,' she said. 'An outstanding grade is given to practice that stands out, and it is important that this can be shared with other practitioners.'
Further information
www.ofsted.gov.uk.