How do I find childminder ofsted reports

[benne81]

Sorry new to this lark. I now have a job which starts in July so need to start looking for a childminder for a 10 month old. I can't figure out the ofsted site, I've got a couple of people I've spoken to on the phone and I wanted to check there reports before going round - is this possible? Or do I need them to give me a referennce number?

Also what sort of questions should I be asking/ things I need to check?

I just searches by their ofsted numbers. I'm sure you can search by location as well

What information do you have about the childminder?

You can search by postcode (if you know where they live) but not by name (childminder names aren't put on their reports) so it can be a bit trial-and-error.

Many childminders won't give out their URN (registration number) before you sign a contract because it can be used to fraudulently claim extra tax credits.

The link you need is here

Some put a direct link to their Ofsted report on their website (I do) but most should be more than happy to send you a paper copy or even email you one. I know that if a parent asked me for mine I'd be more than happy to provide it.

Some local authorities are uploading data to OpenFamilyServices. If the childminder is on that, then you may well find a link to their Ofsted report on their OFS record.
Use keyword: Childminder
Use location: First part of postcode
Then look through the list produced and find the name of the childminder.

The other way as Flisspaps says is that if you know the childminders address, if you enter the full postcode of that address on the Ofsted Website when searching for inspection reports by distance from your home, then the top entry returned MIGHT be that of the childminder. It may not be though, as there can be multiple childminders in the same postcode.

The system is not intended to work that way (the National Childminders Association wanted specific childminders' reports to be unsearchable ) so the only sure-fire way is to get the reference number.

Googling the postcode and 'childminder' and/or their name often turns up a hit though.