Ofsted and over 8's

[chattysue]

I recently had to give some parents notice. They complained to Ofsted who have asked me to investigate - which I will of course.
I'm just unsure about Ofsted's involvement as the children are over 8. Any views?? Thanks

bump
sure someone will be along shortly who might be able to help

Presumably you are offering out of school care? I know Ofsted are now responsible for inspecting residential schools and childrens homes, (ie out of school care), so I assume childminders / out of school clubs come under this. Good luck; hope all turns out well

I would imagine it's because you are listed on the voluntary register.

I just wish i could find something that actually detailed what we are agreeing to by being listed on the voluntary register!

Thank you for that! I should have mentioned that I am a childminder - providing after school care.
I'm really confused as their complaints guidance actually states that it is for 0-8 years. CS

I am interested in this thread as I only look after school-age children.

I have been doing this for only a few months and I have been surprised on how little information there is for childminders who look after over 8s. I'm thinking about writing a book for childminders who look after school aged children.

I'm not too sure what the procedures are - I can only say what I would do in your position. I would follow the guidance for the 0-8 years and then report back to OFSTED in 10 days.

In that way, if OFSTED are not satisfied, they can tell you there and then. At this point, you could then ask OFSTED for further advice on how to proceed.

I don't think there is much OFSTED can do unless a safeguarding issue is involved. If they complained to OFSTED because they don't like you, then there's not much OFTSED can do, other than ask you to investigate ans suggest parents seek alternative childcare.

I would imagine that the reason they have asked you to do an internal investigation is to ensure that the care you give to over 8's isnt impacting on the care provided to your EY reg'd mindees. If the complaint is a safeguarding issue and they are taking it seriously they generally refer it on to your local duty team at SS who will investigate and report back to ofsted.

I would go with the flow, do your report, send it on and generally that will be an end of the issue, I am presuming that you are on the voluntary reg, therefore they do have a duty to investigate a concern, however care of over 8's is very vague.

Good luck

Thank you for your really useful comments. I too have tried lots of different places for information on over 8's and can find nothing. A book would be a great idea!

I can't actually remember joining the Voluntary register - dreadful addmision! How can I find out whether or not I'm on the register? - without calling Ofsted if possible!

How long do you think I should leave things before I chase up Ofsted. They gave me 10 days - should I expect the same respnse time from them!!!!?????!!!!! CS

Thank you for your really useful comments - it's all so confusing for over 8's.

I have sent off my report and await their verdict!

CS