Childminders demand meeting with Ofsted chief over EYFS remarks

Wilshaw made the comment during a session of the education select committee this week. Addressing the committee he said: "Where the EYFS is properly applied it works; where it is not properly applied it does not work effectively.

"The difference in outcomes between nurseries, children's centres and childminders is quite stark. My view is that we should really look at the future of how we inspect early years and particuarly childminders, to make sure that the very large numbers in childminding settings are given a good delivery."

But NCMA has hit back at the remark, saying that the majority of childminders have been graded as "good" or "outstanding".

Liz Bayram, joint chief executive of the association, said: "We are keen to understand why Sir Michael identified childminders as failing to deliver the EYFS when the vast majority have been graded ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.  Even the minority judged ‘satisfactory’ are deemed fit to deliver the current framework.

"Childminding is a thriving part of the childcare sector, in contrast to much nursery provision, currently struggling to remain viable. Childminders have the skills and experience that the Department for Education can build on given that so many two-year-olds are cared for by childminders."

Bayram added that the association’s members said it was important that parents have the reassurance of knowing that childminders delivering the EYFS are inspected in the same way as nurseries.

"We believe that any proposed changes to inspection and regulation of childminding need to be very seriously considered," she added. "It is essential that children continue to benefit from a safe, high-quality experience of care and learning. 

"Any planned changes must continue to maintain the current level playing field with group settings, so that parents continue to be reassured and childminding sustainability is not put at risk."