How Can I Be Sure of Good Quality Childcare

How Can I Be Sure of Good Quality Childcare

How Can I Be Sure of Good Quality Childcare?

Always use a registered childcare provider. Childcare is regulated and inspected by OFSTED. Most childcare providers are required by law to register with OFSTED and this helps to make sure that children and young people are cared for in a safe environment. There are two types of childcare registers:

  • Early Years Register for providers who offer care for children aged 0 to 5 years;
  • Childcare Register for providers who offer care to children over the age of 5. This register is made up of two parts: the Compulsory Register and the Voluntary Register.

Providers who offer the following types of care are not required to register with OFSTED:

  • Care for children aged 8 and over;
  • Care for children for less than 2 hours per day;
  • Care for children in their own home.

The above providers can choose to register on the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register, which will show that they are meeting OFSTED requirements. Carers who are not registered with OFSTED will normally hold an Exemption Certificate and they should be able to satisfy you that they are providing good quality child care.

The Manchester Quality Assurance Framework

Ask the provider about their use of the Manchester Quality Assurance Framework (QAF). Providers who are working to make sure that they provide quality childcare in Manchester will be using this framework. The QAF was developed by the local authority with childcare settings and childminders. It will give you evidence that the setting is continually thinking about quality and will provide further evidence for parents about how settings are working to improve outcomes for children. The QAF covers areas such as your child's welfare, care, learning and development as well as the leadership and management of settings.

Find out whether childminders are part of a quality assured network or regularly attend local quality meetings to support their development and remain updated on good practice. Childminders who are on the network or attending local quality meetings will know about the QAF and be up to date with important areas of practice.

Steps You Can Take to Help you Choose Good Quality Childcare

1. Get a copy of the latest Ofsted Inspection report for childcarers you are thinking of using.

When it comes to choosing childcare, it is important to have as much information as possible. Ofsted inspection reports present a comprehensive and impartial picture and are published on their website. An Ofsted Inspection is a process of gathering evidence and coming to judgements in order to provide a written assessment of how well a childcare provider is performing. It is a legal requirement for all registered childcare providers to be inspected. For most childcare providers, inspections take place about once every three years and last up to two days. Little or no advance notice is given, so inspectors can see settings as they really are.

To obtain up to date Inspection Reports you can either:

  • Visit the Ofsted website www.ofsted.gov.uk . Please note for Childminder Reports contact Manchester FIS; OR
  • Ask Manchester’s Family Information Service to post or email you the information; OR
  • Ask the Child Care Provider to show you their latest Ofsted inspection report.

You can discuss with the childcare provider any questions or queries you may have regarding the information contained within their inspection report.

2. When visiting any childcare provider, ask to see their up-to-date Registration Certificate or Exemption Certificate from OFSTED.

Ask about training and experience of the carers and if possible, take your child with you when you visit potential providers so that you can see how staff talk to him or her. Observe how other children play and talk together and how staff interact with them. You may wish to take notes when you visit the providers as they will act as a reminder when making a decision about which provider to use.

3. Ask daycare providers if they are using the Manchester QAF. If you are visiting a childminder, ask if they are part of a Childminder Network or if they regularly attend local quality meetings.

4. Check to see if they have up-to-date public liability insurance and first aid certificates

5. Find out about activities offered to the children and toys and equipment that are available. Check if there is an outside play area or if children are taken to parks or other places regularly.

6. Prepare questions to ask the provider before you visit them. Here are some questions that you may wish to ask.

  • safety – what happens in an emergency?
  • are the premises secure (can strangers get in)?
  • what training and experience do the carers have?
  • how does the provider report safety incidents to parents?
  • do the carers know first aid?
  • what is the staff’s view on discipline?
  • what activities are on offer?
  • what happens if you are late picking up your child?
  • what food is provided (is it healthy)?
  • who can you talk to about your child’s progress?
  • what happens if your child becomes ill?

Finally, always make sure your childcare provider offers you a written contract, which outlines what service will be provided and the costs you have to pay. It may show that you have to pay a fee up front or that nappies and food are not included in the price. The contract should state what happens if you don’t use the service because of holidays or sickness.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Family Information Service on our free phone number if you have any questions or queries about choosing childcare. You can also email us at

Further information about childcare is also available in the Children and Childcare Section at www.manchester.gov.uk/childcare and in the Parent Information section at