Inspector rant!!

[mogs0]

I deal with the same inspector for inspections or any other issues that arise.

On the phone, she is quite standoffish (I'm sure there's a better word to describe her manner) and not really open to considering whatever request I've put forward...whether my request is feasible or not.

Face to face, she's a bit better but doesn't have the greatest reputation with local cms.

I have just phoned to discuss applying for a variation and whether it would be considered or whether it's a non-starter and she said I was 'at liberty' to apply, it would be assessed by a panel, she'd be asked for her opinion and her opinion is that i don't have enough floor space.

The last time I applied for a variation (and was granted it) she had the same reservation. I argued my case and was well within the legal requirements which, I guess, is why it was allowed.

I just find her phone manner really grates on me (quite unreasonably, probably). There was lots of 'with all due respect' and 'our main concern is the children'...as is mine, which is why I'm asking for a variation so that two children can be looked after together.

The most annoying part is that I only need the variation for 4 hours out of the 36 hours per week that i'll be looking after them.

Rant over!

Can I join in? My lady drives me nuts too but it's because she's so wishy-washy and vague. She "understands" this and "imagines" that and has to "think on" or "consult" on every question. I wish I had the nerve to say "You shouldn't imagine, you should know - I can do my own imagining!"

Copycat rant over! Good luck with your application Mogs.

Oh and she also said I can't include the kitchen as available floor space because I 'don't look after children in there'. Ermmm, yes I do. We use it for craft activities when the smaller children are sleeping in the living room, we eat in there...

I've not spoken to the same Inspector about anything.

If she's a PITA I'd not bother calling her again, I'd just email the variation in, don't refer to her by name and hope that it lands on the desk of someone sensible - if it's turned down, send it in again and hope it lands on someone else's desk.

Sorry, jinx, hadn't seen your message when I posted the second time!

That sounds really annoying, aswell! Surely if she doesn't know then who does?!

Fliss - I am allocated an inspector because of the area I live in...I don't think I have the choice of another, unfortunately.

I am wondering what the appeals process is though, incase it is refused.

Do you speak to Ofsted directly? In my area the inspections are farmed out to a third-party who employ freelance inspectors. I've had the same one for my registration and first-inspection visits and we do not see eye to eye...

I'm in Wales so deal with CSSIW. My inspector is based in their head office and, yes, I'm dealing with them directly.

Are you able to request a different one? Or is there someone else (at ofsted) you can discuss the things you don't see eye to eye about?

During the phone conversation this morning, I kept opening my mouth to disagree with her then changed my mind and decided it was pointless trying to put my case across over the phone and that I just need to get the application done and let the powers-that-be decide. I have also mentally prepared my appeal case, just incase!

In my experience you have to get the upper hand. Don't let them talk down to you and don't b subservient.

U r running a business as you have drive and gumption. They are wage slaves do havnt.

Put your case in writing, tell her if it's not allowed then you will appeal! Even inspectors have boses so find out who hers is.

If u stand up to bullies or jobs worths they usually back down

Thanks, thebody.

I'm just waiting for the family to let me know if they want me to go ahead and put in a request for a variation. If they do want to go ahead, I'll be back for some advice on making my case sound as appealing as possible!

Good for u.