Blog

“What exactly is OFSTED?” “Is it really that important?” “I don’t even know where to begin!”

Let us provide the answers as QUICK as we can, so you can get back to the fun stuff… 

The 411 on OFSTED Visits

Think of OFSTED as the schoolyard monitor for our wraparound care clubs and holiday camps. They check in to ensure everything’s A-OK, focusing on places registered on the Early Years Register. The goal? To make sure your mini-me is safe, supported and benefiting from the setting they’re in.

Visit Frequency: A Quick Peek

• New Kids on the Block: First visit within 30 months, then a check-up every 6 years.
• Oops, Something Went Wrong: More visits if there are concerns.
• Grades Not Making the Grade?: Follow-up visits within 6 to 12 months if improvements are needed.

Grading, Demystified

*The way we grade out-of-school providers isn’t quite the same as how schools are graded. It’s a bit different!*

The Three Tiers:

• Met: Gold star! The setting’s doing great.
• Not Met with Actions: Needs a bit of a nudge in the right direction.
• Not Met with Enforcement: Red alert! Major improvements needed, stat.

Safeguarding: The VIP

Safeguarding is of the utmost importance, ensuring your children’s care setting is as safe as can be. If this isn’t on point, it’s a no-go from OFSTED.

Your Role in This Experience 

Your voice? Super important. Sharing your thoughts can help shape the narrative, ensuring your child’s care setting is up to everyone’s standards. Here’s a link to the OFSTED parent view portal:

www.parentviewofsted.com

What Nappens Next?

Once OFSTED’s done their magic, a report card pops up on their website. Grab a copy from your child’s setting to see what the inspector said.

Here are ours:

Bowdon Preparatory School OFSTED Report

Chorlton Park Primary School OFSTED Report

Urmston Primary School OFSTED Report

The Wrap-Up

And there you have it! The OFSTED grading system is no longer a maze of confusion but a clear path to understanding your child’s care quality. Now, armed with this knowledge, you’re all set to champion your little one’s out-of-school adventures. 

See if your current provider meets the standard by taking our Parent Quiz: