This summary will give you an overview of the fourteen standards that daycare providers will need to meet when opening a nursery or becoming a childminder.

Standard 1 Suitable person: 

Adults providing daycare, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

Standard 2 Organisation: 

The registered person meets required adult:child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

Standard 3 Care, learning and play: 

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare.  They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

Standard 4 Physical environment: 

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

Standard 5 Equipment: 

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purposes 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: 

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within he setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

Standard 7 Health: 

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes 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: 

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

Standard 10 Special Needs (including special educational needs and disabilities): 

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is 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 behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

Standard 12 Working in partnership with parents and carers: 

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group.  Information is shared.

Standard 13 Child protection:

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

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 children's parent.

Annex A Babies/children under 2:

These are additional criteria to be met by childminders who wish to care for babies.

Annex B Overnight care:

These are additional criteria to be met by childminders who wish to care for children overnight.