To think that Ofsted reports should be readily available

[paddington34]

Currently trying to find a childminder. Have searched on Ofsted's website and it seems that it's hit and miss as to whether a childminder's report is on there or whether they are even listed at all.

Is there any other way of getting hold of them? I can ask the providers but I would rather see beforehand.

All childminders should be registered with Ofsted. If they’re not listed on the website, don’t even entertain using them as they’re breaking the law. I’ve never had a problem accessing a report on the website. The only time I can think of when I haven’t is when a child care provider is fairly new and haven’t been inspected yet.

They are on there.

Just adding, even if they haven’t been inspected yet, the should be listed, there’s just no report or rating to view.

Unless they are very new (been operating less than 3 years) they should have a report. Can be hard to find as the Ofsted website is a bit crap.

They are- ofsted publish the reports from inspections about 6 weeks after (for schools, I expect childcare is similar timescale) although it takes longer if there are disputes. As PP says unless they are a new provider they will have their latest inspection on the Ofsted website, even if this is quite old it will still be the most recent one unless just been inspected.

If you can't find the provider at all by playing around with the search terms on the Ofsted website, although postcode is generally very reliable, they likely aren't registered so you should run a mile UNLESS they are a new provider but you'd probably pick that up from their website anyway.

They aren't all listed. My neighbouring LA has a list of childminders on the council website and their reports but when I search for them on Ofsted they don't come up either so they are registered they just don't show up in the search function. My LAs website is rubbish and does not have this feature.

I work in education and have never had an issue finding school reports but never searched for childminders before.

Will see if I can find a number for Ofsted tomorrow and call them.

Ah ok- do you trust the LA list to be up to date? Wonder if some have packed up but LA not updated the list?

Your LA website is probably not up to date. I know ours isn’t!

No they are still going (sadly all full). Its Ofsted's website that isn't showing them. I have done loads of different searches and they don't show up.

You need to find out their Ofsted URN number as some childminders aren’t published under their name or address for confidentiality reasons.

Childminders can choose to have their personal details hidden on ofsted’s site. Due to the fact we work alone with children and are therefore vulnerable if our addresses are published we can opt out. If you have the childminders EY number you can search for them with that. My inspection report is hidden, it doesn’t mean I’m not registered with ofsted (I am and I’m graded ‘Good’ in all areas)

Thanks Purplestorm, maybe this is why.

The childminders reports are listed, but they may not be identified by name.

It's because we work from home, alone unless we co-mind, and some do not want their name and address publicly available. Ofsted therefore agreed that childminders should not be identified unless they gave permission for their details to appear.

To date, a childminder who withheld permission would be listed under his or her Ofsted number, however I noticed last time I looked someone up that she didn't appear on a search unless I specifically used her Ofsted number.

Thanks Span can I ask what an EY number is? Do I need to contact the childminder for this then or would the council have to have this?

^ to clarify my personal details are what’s hidden, my report isn’t. It’s listed under my URN (EY number)

It’s their reg number (or unique reference number - both the same thing) EY refers to the early years register

They may be on the LA listing (depending on what details the LA publish on their lists) Also be aware it’s not compulsory for us to be on the LA list either - I’m not on mine right now as I don’t have spaces until 2022 so I’m not trying to ‘advertise’ as such.

I've learned plenty on this thread so thanks @paddington34 and the childminder PPs- I'd never thought about safety/confidentiality for you guys but it makes perfect sense now

You’re welcome @heyha