CHILDMINDERS across Bolton are celebrating after plans to publish their full names and addresses on the internet were scrapped.

More than 400 childminders were horrified when education watchdog Ofsted unveiled plans to make childminders' names, addresses and inspection reports available on its website.

But after an outcry that this would create a safety risk and expose childminders to unwelcome phone calls, visitors and mail, Ofsted plans to publish just the childminder's registration number and part of the postcode in reports.

Janet Halton, chairman of Bolton Borough Child Minding Group, said: "Childminders that I have spoken to are quite happy with the changes and they are relieved that names and addresses will be kept off reports on the internet.

"When the Government announced it was going to publish names and addresses, it was pretty awful and everyone was concerned. Now the plans have been rectified, we are very happy."

By publishing inspection reports on the internet, Ofsted believes parents will be able to make better-informed childcare choices. Reports - currently only available by contacting childminders - include information about the quality of childcare and any recommended improvements. They will now appear on the internet from April 2005.

Parents who want to find childcare in their area will be able to enter their postcode and Ofsted's website will search for childminders.