Provision
Childminders will have option to have contact details on Ofsted website
Ofsted is writing to all childminders to ask whether they would like their contact details published on their website.
From September childminders will be able to publish their name, address and phone number on Ofsted's website
The schools inspector is giving registered childminders the opportunity to have their name, address and telephone number published on the Ofsted website, which it says will make it easier for parents to find inspection reports for childminders.
Currently, all childminder reports are displayed anonymously on Ofsted’s website, whereas with nurseries, the provider’s full name, address and telephone is visible. This means that parents who are searching for childminders must contact their local authority for further information.
The letter, being sent to all registered childminders, says, ‘This is to tell you about our decision to publish the names, addresses and telephone numbers of Ofsted-registered childminders on our website, where childminders have given their consent for us to do so.’
It goes on to say, ‘We think that many childminders would like to have their name, address and telephone number published on our website. That would mean that parents seeking information could read the childcare report and identify the location of the provider without having to search on the local authority list.’
Ofsted has decided to give childminders the option of having their contact details published on the website, as they claim that many already advertise their services through local networks such as GP surgeries, and on their websites.
Nine years ago, 70,000 childminders across England threatened to quit as Ofsted announced plans to put their details on its website on the grounds of child protection and the safety of childminders. Less than a year later, the schools inspector reversed its decision (News, 15 January 2004).
Childminders have until 31 March 2012 to decide whether they would like their contact details published and send back their consent form. Details will be published on the website from September.
Those who do not wish to give their consent do not need to take any action and their entry on the Ofsted website will remain unchanged.
Childminders can change their mind at any time. A consent form will be available on the Ofsted website for those who decide they want their details published online.
