Childcare Bill |
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Beverley Hughes: I was explaining that where schools directly, through the governing body, provide child care on their own site, they will come under the auspices of the school inspection, but where they contract with other providers, those providers must register with the Ofsted child care register. That will enable us to ensure that all the care assessed through an extended school is of a consistent standard. We also plan to issue guidance, so that schools should link only with private and voluntary providers of child care for children over eight that are registered with Ofsted. Those arrangements will help schools, which will be able to contract with providers in the knowledge that Ofsted has checked their suitability, as they will already be registered with the Ofsted child care register. There is then no need for schools to go through that process when they are considering contracting with a certain organisation. I believe that that is the best arrangement for parents, schools and providers, and I hope that, with those assurances, the hon. Gentleman will seek leave to withdraw the amendment. Mr. Gibb: The Minister has been helpful in providing clarity about the position regarding a third-party provider of child minding in a school. She makes a compelling case for that provision to continue to be inspected by Ofsted. On that note, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 52 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 53 Applications for registration: later years childminders Amendment made: No. 143, in page 26, line 27, leave out ‘register’ and insert ‘be registered’.—[Maria Eagle.] Clause 53, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Further consideration adjourned.—[Mr. Cawsey.] Adjourned accordingly at half-past Three o’clock till Tuesday 20 December at Nine o’clock. |
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