If you're a parent looking for childcare, chances are you've come across the word "Ofsted" more than once. It's printed on nursery windows, mentioned in prospectuses, and often one of the first things parents ask about when comparing settings. But what exactly is Ofsted, how do its ratings work, and how much weight should they really carry when you're choosing where to send your child?

Who works at your child's nursery, what qualifications do they have, and how do they help create a safe and nurturing environment for your little one?