Problems with OFSTED

[janesun]

I have been in the process of registering with OFSTED. This is taking an exceptionally long time because they have repeatedly lost my highly sensitive, and this time round, my original documentation.
Has anyone else had similar problems? I am extremely concerned at this point and in the process of making another formal complaint.
It's my first time dealing with OFSTED and I'm not originally from the UK so would appreciate some (hopefully reassuring) feedback.

Ofsted are going through a huge change in preparation for Sept 2012
Be patient until then and start chasing them afterwards...Ofsted do not like anyone complaining about them ..especially now they are privatising some of the services!!!

Have you contacted your local authority? ...could they support you?... worth a try as they should help you with the process

I'm not sure how the council can help me speak to ofsted about finding my documentation?

I don't really have any more time to be patient- it has been over five months now, this is not their first error and feel that I have no choice other than to make a formal complaint.

Five months is nothing. It took me 13 months to register.

Italiana is right, now is a difficult time as there is a huge change happening at the moment so resources for new applicants are probably thin on the ground

The LA can support you with applying although in my area the help is a bit sparse until you are actually registered.

Meant to ask what are you applying for?

Voluntary nanny register... probably way down on their list of priorities.

I don't even care about my application at this stage as I am leaving the country (although my employers would still like it done) but I DO need my documentation back. I feel that regardless of any changes, they have a responsibility to take care of sensitive information and return these safely and promptly.

At this stage ofsted are processing my application so I don't know that LA can help?

You need to get the name of the Ofsted Enforcement Officer/Manager to send message so she knows your situation
Ring Ofsted tomorrow and ask them for the name so they can refer your complaint to her directly especially if your documents are original !!! Quote Data Protection and Confidentiality

If you are leaving the country why does your employer like it done?
Important you get documents back though...yes I wonder what some LAs are there for if not to help in these cases? my children could do a better job

Keep us posted and good luck!

Thank you Italiana. I will do that. It is quite worrying that my personal information is floating around somewhere.

Re: employer... I think they must still be able to get back payments. Not sure but it's all done and waiting to be signed off (if they can find it all!).

Registration is complete but still waiting on my documents.

Give Ofsted a deadline by which to return all your documents as long as you know they have got them and not lost them???

If no joy ring the Information Commissioner Office and get advice that is why I mentioned Data Protection

Just spoken to ofsted- They have destroyed my documents in error.

Well that is something I did not expect
Call them again and ask them for a letter explaining what happened and what they intend to do and which dept was responsible....also if the documents were important will they pay to replace?
You may need to make a formal complaint
ICO will give you good advice on all this Call Helpline on 0303 123 1113