Joint child care and play framework

What we are doing

From January 2019, we have jointly inspected care and education in regulated non-school services eligible for funding for part-time education.

During these joint inspections, we inspect the care of all children up to the age of 12 and the education of three and four-year-olds that do not receive education in a maintained setting.

Background

Back in 2015/16, we piloted a joint inspection framework which included awarding judgements. The pilot was independently evaluated during the summer of 2016 and formed part of the childcare and play inspection framework we introduced that year.

Joint inspections

Our joint inspections will deliver:

• One inspection report that covers standards in both childcare and education
• A revised inspection framework that covers fewer, but broader areas
• New timescales for the length, frequency and notice period for an inspection

Useful documents

We have published inspection guidance, a factual accuracy document, and follow-up document for the joint inspections.