Ofsted inspect child minders on a regular basis and assess and evaluate the care they provide. They can judge the setting to be

Unsatisfactory
Satisfactory
Good
Out Standing

In addition, if the child minder can demonstrate it, they can achieve an area of Outstanding Practice, although this is limited to one standard even if there are many areas of outstanding practice.

My most recent inspection was an unannounced visit in March 2006. The inspectors awarded me a GOOD.

National Standards for under 8s day care and child minding

Standard 1:- Suitable Person.
Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so. I have been thoroughly police checked. I have also taken various forms of training to enable me to give a good standard of provision.
Standard 2:- Organization
The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualification requirements are met and organizes their space and resources to meet each individual child’s needs effectively. I am registered for five children under 8 years, in addition to my own two children.
Standard 3:- Care, Learning and Play
I meet all children's individual needs and promote their welfare. I plan all activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, social and intellectual capabilities. I plan themes, and within those themes plan activities to meet the desired learning, which enables development and also supports the guidance for the foundation stage.

Standard 4:- Physical Environment
the premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in appropriate location, are welcoming to children and have access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development. I use local playgroups/toddler groups in the community and surrounding area, local parks and resources to widen the range of experiences offered to all children.
Standard 5:- Equipment
Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.
Standard 6:- Safety
I take positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensure proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents. I use safety equipment, have personal information on each child and have permission forms to enable me to keep children safe, whilst in my setting.
Standard 7:- Health
I promote the good health of children and take positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.
Standard 8:- Food and Drink
Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.
Standard 9:- Equal Opportunities
I promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

Standard 10:- Special Needs (including special Education Needs and Disabilities)
I am aware that some children may have special needs and I am proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.
Standard 11:- Behaviour
Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behavior in a way which promotes their welfare and development. I have attended a course on behavior management and have a behavior policy.
Standard 12:- Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers
I work in partnership with all parents and carers to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. I believe that parents are at all times their child's primary carer, and that aim to work together and present a united front.
Standard 13:- Child Protection
I comply with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that I am able to put the procedures into practice. I have a child protection policy, and will always refer any child I believe is in need to the appropriate authorities with written observations and incidents.
Standard 14:- Documentation
Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children, are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent. I use policies, contracts, child records, medicine and incident books, permission forms, diaries and registers. Parents are required to sign various forms and share information.
Annex A Babies and Children Under 2.
These are additional criteria to be met by all child minders who wish to care for babies.
Annex B Overnight Care:-
These are additional criteria to be met by child minders who wish to care for children overnight. I do provide overnight care.