News

Childminding agency rated 'ineffective' putting members' funding at risk

A childminding agency has been rated ‘ineffective’ leaving local authorities considering withdrawing funding from hundreds of childminder members.
Rutland Early Years childminding agency has been rated 'ineffective' by Ofsted
Rutland Early Years childminding agency has been rated 'ineffective' by Ofsted

Rutland Early Years Agency, which has approximately 766 members based across 109 local authorities, was inspected by Ofsted between 31 October to 4 November 2022 and judged to be ‘ineffective’ in all areas.

Unlike individually registered childminders, those who are registered with an agency do not hold their own inspection grade. When a childminder agency is found to be ‘ineffective’ local authorities have the power to stop members’ funding, as they would if an individual childminder is rated inadequate. It is down to local authorities’ discretion whether they allow childminders registered with an ‘ineffective’ agency to continue to offer funded hours.

Rutland Early Years Agency, which is one of seven agencies currently operating, told Nursery World that they are ‘still in active dialogue with all the relevant local authorities’, and their ‘absolute priority is to protect the vital operations of their brilliant childminders between now and re-inspection.’

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here



Nursery World Jobs

Deputy Manager

South Hornchurch

Co Nursery Manager

Clapham, London (Greater)

Nursery Practitioner

Hammersmith and Fulham, London (Greater)