Inspection and regulation in childcare
During spring 2008, Ofsted conducted a survey gathering the views of children’s social care, and childcare providers and managers, on its inspections and registration process. We also contacted parents for feedback on their personal experiences of childcare provision.
We received over 1,700 replies. It was fantastic to have such a good response and we wish to thank everyone who took part. We've used the detailed results and comments to improve the way we register and inspect providers.
Reassuringly, a large majority of providers commented that their inspection had a positive impact on outcomes for children. Over 90% said the inspector spent time observing what they do, treated everyone with courtesy and sensitivity, and gave clear and helpful feedback. Most agreed the inspection report made recommendations to improve the quality of their service, regardless of what judgement inspectors had awarded. We're also pleased to note that 91% of childcare providers said they've used Ofsted reports on good practice to help them further improve their service.
‘Following inspection, all staff are now looking at how we can improve creativity for children’, said a recently inspected provider. Another noted, ‘The inspector was very understanding and helpful, and made me relaxed at the first visit.’
The large majority of newly registered providers were satisfied with the registration process, saying the application pack was helpful and easy to understand. A newly registered provider said, ‘I was very nervous of my registration visit. I need not have been and the lady that came was lovely. She helped me with all my questions and told me straight away that I could be registered'.
Almost all parents using childcare said they’d heard of Ofsted. Nearly everyone said they thought inspections helped settings to improve, and just under half commented that Ofsted inspection reports had influenced their choice of childcare provision.
Almost half had already noticed improvements since the inspection. Of the parents bringing or collecting their children while the inspector was present, 56% said the inspector had asked for their views.
A parent using childcare said, ‘I found the recent Ofsted inspection to be very detailed and informative and it certainly provided all the information a parent could need to assist in their decision-making about a distance setting.'
These results have identified the areas where we’re meeting expectations as well as those where we can improve further. For example, in past surveys providers made suggestions about the content of the self-evaluation forms that we provide. These comments fed into the development of the new self-evaluation forms that are now in use.
Some key responses from recently inspected providers:
|
Percentage who agreed with the following statement: |
Childcare |
Children’s homes |
Other children’s social care |
|
The inspection has had a positive impact on outcomes for children |
85% |
93% |
87% |
|
We regularly evaluate our service and write down how we are doing as part of our effort to improve |
96% |
99% |
100% |
|
In my experience Ofsted reports are easy to find on the Ofsted website |
91% |
[not asked] |
76% |
