CM Club - and NannyNick - urgent health advice please!!!

[underpaidandoverworked]

I've been unwell on and off for about 6 weeks, nothing specific, just under the weather. I collapsed last Sunday night/ Monday morning with some sort of seizure which hasnt been diagnosed fully yet, but they think that the childhood epilepsy I had until the age of 10 may have returned after 36years!

I've been put on medication until I can see a neurologist and I feel absolutely fine after 3 days hospital rest. I have 2 weeks off over Easter but my question is, can I still childmind? I can't find anything on either Ofsted's website or NCMA and don't want to open a can of worms with Ofsted by ringing them if I can avoid it.

I'm usually fit and healthy with no underlyiing ailments and my doctor sees no reason why I can't continue, though I have had to give up driving for 12 months. The parents are all aware of the situation and are happy for me to continue. Obviously, I would never, ever care for a child if I thought I was putting the child at risk.

Has anyone else been in this situation, or know someone who has?

Ofsted are likely to ask you what your consultant says, they may accept what your GP says- or not. If you have been allowed to continue to drive and have told your GP what you do for a living then it may be ok but Ofsted must be told, they have time limits for notifing them.
And even if you decide to wait in the end you will have to inform Ofsted as it may affect your suitability. Not informing them of something that may affect your ability will be looked upon as a serious breach of your registration conditions.
Sorry.

No idea, but I'm sorry to hear you've been so unwell.
Enjoy your time off and come back fighting fit.

Sally x x

Don't have access to the documents at moment. Though I expect it may well be notifiable alas, given they have stopped you driving.

In the health declaration book it says:
"I agree to notify Ofsted of any significant changes to my health."
It also has:
B8: Do you have a driving licence?
If ?Yes?, have you ever had restrictions put on it, or had difficulty getting
insurance because of health problems.
B13 (b): Are you suffering from or have you ever suffered: Blackouts, fits, epilepsy or faints.

So looks to me as though Ofsted are interested in knowing specifically about things that may result in a driving licence being suspended, plus about fits/epilepsy. So I feel you are going to need to tell them and hope that they continue to allow you to mind children.

I had a fit when I was 11 months old and haven't had a repeat since. Therefore you saying that you have had a 36 year gap, then a fit, makes me wonder what the risk of having a repeat. I hope it wouldn't happen but that's what I expect you thought until it did occur.

I will be interested to know how Ofsted deal with this, as I could well have the same issue myself in future. Though interestingly as a nanny, I haven't had to complete a health declaration form.

Thanks Nick, am going to ring them first thing tomorrow. Apparently the driving ban is standard with any sort of seizure, regardless of the cause. That alone is going to cause me no end of problems as I need to get my own son to school, never mind using it for my business.

I never, ever thought I would have another fit - the hospital are baffled as well. It would be tragic if I have to stop minding, lose my home, uproot my family, for something that may never happen again! Never mind the inconvenience to the families I work with - none of which have family who can help out!

Watch this space......