
There are 14 National Standards that as a childcare provider we have to follow. Each standard describes a particular quality outcome, and is accompanied by a set of supporting criteria giving information about how that outcome is to be achieved. Regulations under the Childcare Act require providers to meet the 14 standards and to have regard to the supporting criteria. The law also requires Ofsted to have regard to both the standards and criteria.
The 14 standards are:
Suitable Person, Organisation, Care, learning and Play, Physical Environment, Equipment, Safety, Health, Food and Drink, Equal Opportunities, Special Needs, Behaviour, Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers, Child Protection and Documentation.