Anyone with past OCD issues successfully registered as a CM?

[Servalan]

I wonder if anyone could help me with this.

I really want to become a childminder but I have had problems with anxiety/OCD on and off over the years. I've recently completed a course of CBT provided my local mental health team and am much, much better. I'm also on medication.

Although I am certain that my past mental health issues would not affect my ability to be a great childminder, I'm not sure whether OFSTED would see it the same way. Does the OFSTED application process involve going into my medical details, and if so, is becoming a childminder a non-starter for me?

Thanks very much for your help.

Ofsted do require a medical certificate but thats not to say your application would be rejected.

Thanks, that's very useful to know.

Has anyone else been in a similar position to me? If so, any advice? Thanks

They do require a medical check, but - not the same thing I know - I suffered with depression and PND, and also have a (sometimes) painful health condition and they registered me.
Have a chat with your GP, as he/she will ahve to fill out part of the form

Thanks for that Saltire. Had a bit of a chat with my GP today who said I could ask to see what they had filled in on the form when the time comes, so I could get a better idea of where things stand. Still feeling v nervous about whether this is going to totally scupper things for me though.

Would still be interested to hear how others have fared in similar situations. Thanks

Hi Servalan

I have been registered as a childminder since 2005.

I suffered and still suffer with OCD, anxiety, depression, phobias and occasionally psycosis (sp?).

My registration process took a long time (nearly 8 months) while Ofsted requested more and more information from my doctor.

My health visitor (who suggested I become a childminder in the first place after seeing me have 5 children of my own and cope fine) wrote me an amazing reference stating that even at my lowest my ability to care for my children had never been in question.

In the end Ofsted agreed I could become registered to care for one child. I told them to stick it as i was already working as a Nanny to 3 children under 5 with absolutely no problem at all. Ofsted then said that if I was prepared to undergo a full mental assessment at my local Priory clinic, they would reconsider.

I passed the assessment with flying colours (one of the uk's top OCD specialists assessed me) whereupon Ofsted granted me the usual quota of children.

Within 3 months I had asked and was granted
a variation to allow me to care for 4 under 5 of which 2 can be under 1.

I will always be on medication, I self medicate so the doses vary. Sometimes I am well and sometimes I feel horrendous but have learnt several self help techniques to get me through.

ALL the mindees parents know the degree of my illness, know that I have limitations mainly due to my phobias but it is not an Ofsted requirement that I tell them.

I really hope you are sucessfull in registering and that my post has been of some help.

My last inspection grade was outstanding and I am full to capacity every day.

Thanks for sharing that brazenhussy - your story is really inspring.

Looks like I'm probably going to have a bit of a fight on my hands though!

Well not necessarily.....

I know of a childminder locally who's mental health is much much worse than mine and she registered no problem at all within the normal timescale.

Also my best friend is also a childminder and has suffered with depression and anxiety all of her adult life, she also sailed through the registration process.

I am not one bit recovered so I must have made all the right noises to Ofsted.

Well done for your achievements RKA, I think i will be this way forever

No apology needed RKA, you didn't upst me at all

Thanks very much. You've given me lots of hope