Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Ofsted Nanny.. but no childcare qualification... ? Is this possible ??

39 replies

lahm · 31/03/2009 16:17

Hello, I would greatly appreciate some advice on this.. I've met an Ofsted registered nanny (have seen her certificate), but she doesnt actually have a childcare qualification. When I asked her how she had been able to become registered without a childcare qualification she said she didnt know and that her previous employer had dealt with it all for her. I'm really confused, as I always thought that in order to be Ofsted registered, a childcare qualification was a must.
Can anyone shed some light on this please?
Thanks so much

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Original poster
lahm · 31/03/2009 17:26

I think what I'm questioning is not her, or that anything underhand has happened and I can see the certificate is genuine (I've also checked the reference on the website and its the same date)..but I'm just very unclear as to how her application went through the Ofsted system if she doesnt have some sort of childcare qualification. For this reason, I wouldnt want it to come to light at some point that something was wrong and Ofsted reg is recinded. I think I need to call Ofsted and see if they can let me know..
Thanks again everyone !!

OP posts:
Original poster
lahm · 31/03/2009 17:18

No, she's had a wonderful education and is lovely with great references. Has done a lot of work with Stagecoach too.
I'm just very confused with this whole Ofsted business

OP posts:
ScottishThistle · 31/03/2009 17:18

Are you worried it's false?

I believe they require a very minimum qualification which in my opinion is utterly pointless anyway.

If you're at all questioning her ability/CV call her references.

Sorrento · 31/03/2009 17:16

I would give her a miss then, in all honesty.
My nutty nanny didn't have any qualifications either and I think the colleges root the fruit loops out and suggest other careers for them, or at least I hope so.

Original poster
lahm · 31/03/2009 17:13

Yes, I thought the nanny had to do it too.
My last nanny did her own application.
Thanks everyone for your advice.. I think I will have a further chat with the nanny and see if there is a course she has ommitted from her CV etc and then speak with Ofsted.
If anyone else has any thoughts on this, all much appreciated !

OP posts:
Cosette · 31/03/2009 17:05

Also she would have had to have signed the forms as the Nanny actually has to apply - don't think the employer can do it on their behalf. Surestart (and I presume Ofsted also) required evidence of completion of the course - it annoyed me at the time that she had to complete the course (for which there was a 2 month wait), before they would even start the CRB check (which then took a further 10 weeks).

Cosette · 31/03/2009 17:02

think there was an online self-study alternative - could she have done that, and just forgotten?

Otherwise would Ofsted confirm to you what qualification they have her down for?

Original poster
lahm · 31/03/2009 17:00

No.. She hasnt done a 2 day course and I cant find anything on her CV that points towards an early years course or certificate for common core skills of any description.
I've checked her Ofsted certificate number and it is fine.
Still confused.. !

OP posts:
Cosette · 31/03/2009 16:56

There is a 2 day course that Nannies can do which gives them the "childcare qualification" bit, alongside having the necessary first aid course and CRB check. But it is not a qualification in its own right - so it sounds like that's what your Nanny may have.
www.mnttraining.co.uk Common core skills I think is the one..

I paid for my nanny to do this course in order to get her registered for childcare vouchers a couple of years ago - think it was SureStart or some other body then, so not sure if it's now changed.

nannyL · 31/03/2009 16:53

i thought it was essential too

i know a few nannies who dont have insurance but have ticked the box to say they do and ofsted havent checked

jura · 31/03/2009 16:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SadMarg · 31/03/2009 16:50

Don't know. Perhaps the previous employer lied on the form???

Why not just double check with Ofsted re her actual certificate.

Original poster
lahm · 31/03/2009 16:26

But thats not what it says in their factsheet on the Ofsted website. And when I called to ask, they also told me they do require a childcare qualification as well as 1st aid certificate.
Anyone else any advice on this?
I'm most confused !!
Thanks

OP posts:
Sorrento · 31/03/2009 16:21

Hi,
Yes it is possible because ofstead registration is entirely optional, they'd like a childcare qualification but it's not essential yet.
hth