The qulaity of childcare has increased significantly

Quality of chilcare soars, new report reveals

The quality of childcare for very young children has soared with support from the county council, with almost two-thirds of settings classed as outstanding.

A new report by Ofsted reveals significant improvements in early years services across England over the past three years.  While less than 80% of registered settings met national standards in 2005, now almost all do (97%) and two thirds (60%) are good or outstanding.

The data in the report also highlights that the quality of care provided by childminders in Staffordshire improved over the three year research cycle with the proportion of childminders judged to be outstanding going up (1.5% to 2.2%).

For the past two years the Early Years and Childcare Service has hosted an awards evening to recognise the achievement of childcare providers judged to be outstanding by Ofsted, out of a total of 29 awards presented 17 have been to  childminders. The proportion of childminders achieving outstanding nationally has also increased.

Patricia Dickson is a childminder in Newcastle and was recently judged by Ofsted to be outstanding.  She commented: "Childminding is very rewarding in that I make a visible difference in the lives of young children, helping to nurture them at a time when they are really able to learn."

She recommends the job to other people.  "As a member of the Newcastle-under-Lyme Network, Staffordshire County Council provides me with the one to one support of a coordinator, support visits, access to toy libraries, funding, resources, information and training opportunities."

County Councillor Peter Beresford is cabinet lead for children and young people.  He said: "The increase in the number of outstanding childminders is due to the dedication of those working in the childcare sector and also to the significant support provided by the Early Years and Childcare Service.  It is reassuring for parents in Staffordshire to know that there is a good choice of high quality childcare available to them."

The support provided to childminders includes an extensive training programme, the support of a team of experienced childcare specialists who assist childminders with dealing with Ofsted and other regulations and who facilitate the sharing of good practice through childminder networks.

There are 867 registered childminders in Staffordshire, parents can find out details of childminders and other childcare close to where they live or work by contacting Parent Direct on 0845 650 9876.

Page Last Modified: 01/09/2008 07:16:55

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