Childminding - Quality Assurance Schemes

All childminders in England have to be registered with OfSTED and regularly demonstrate that they meet the National Standards for Childminding.

Some childminders also choose to join a childminding network and to become accredited - this is shown in the 'Additional Information' section of the reports we send you from the Children's Information Service.

All Network Childminders have to meet additional standards above the baseline that OfSTED require as a condition of registration. Network Childminders have been assessed for quality in all areas and are visited at least every 8 weeks to check that they are still operating to high standards, right through the year between OfSTED inspections, and also have unannounced visits.

Network Childminders also have a commitment to extend their training. Most already have or are working towards a level 3 qualification.

Some Network Childminders undergo additional training so that they are accredited to offer early years (pre-school) education for 3 and 4 year olds. Accredited Network Childminders are supported and monitored by the National Childminding Association, in partnership with Southampton Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, to make sure they provide high quality education in line with the Early Learning Goals.