Latest Ofsted attack on childminders

[Italiana]

Susan Gregory Ofsted General Director for Education and Early Years has made some very unwelcome comments on c/ms in this short video

The post is in nCMA Local Conversation (Childcare in Politics)...please read the blog and add your comments there if you can
NCMA has been asked to respond to these sweeping comments

www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/ofsted-annual-report-201112-susan-gregory-national-director-education-and-early-years-introduces-ear

A shame that the responses on ncma local include an attack on Network childminder funding.
What Network funding??? Networks are all but disbanded! Funding is going to the nurseries!

And yes, OFSTED's comments are disgraceful, but they're hardly surprising.
Newly private company looking to get shot of its most expensive inspections - of course they're going to rubbish us. Have been doing it right from the start.

The question is, what is NCMA going to do about it, and is anyone really going to take any notice of what they have to say?

Tanith Sorry about deviating from the subject
We know that Networks work differently in each LA
In the blue forum there is a discussion I started about networks as I want to find out the different experiences...it looks like a very sad picture
My LA has a thriving network...no money, training or support spared for those who belong...the rest have to beg for support...this is reality

Having announced that c/ms have to pay for some of the training I was shocked when the co-ordinators announced they are investing in rucksacks for all network c/ms to wear and advertise the network!!!

NCMA have responded on Local that they are shocked and preparing a response...well they did respond to Wilshaw when he launched a similar attack in spring and ...it got nowhere

Maybe c/ms themselves might act ...I certainly intend to write to Susan Gregory...she knows nothing about our inspection statistics nor does she have a clue how many c/ms are now qualified to offer the very high quality care she says only those with high qualifications can! and, of course, I am going to the conference where Truss is likely to announce some proposals...I will work hard on some serios questions for her...any help welcome!!!

I have only just seen this, and it is shocking. What a kick in the teeth for hardworking childminders and for parents who understand that the best care and preparation for school life is to be found in a home-based learning environment. It is disgusting that an agency which should be supporting and promoting high standards across all types of care seems so intent on alienating an important sector and undermining parents' choices.

I find that very worrying indeed. I just hope that the deregulation is sensible when it comes and this isn't a propaganda campaign designed to alienate the public from CMs so there isn't a huge fuss when they're no longer under OFSTED because they've been conditioned not to see them as professional anyway.

Are there stats on qualifications held by CMs? I suspect more than 50% (minimum for nurseries) have a level 3 and a high proportion hold qualifications above level 3, with a fairly significant number holding QTS or EYPS.

Actually, Fraktion, I think you have got it spot on!

I am very glad that I am in the process of applying to enter a new profession next year.

I will say that not one of my past or current families has given a flying fig about my qualifications, the EYFS or my Ofsted report. They want someone who can do the hours they need, who really likes children, charges reasonable rates and has a warm, safe house with lots of toys. No matter how much effort or time I put into LJs, planning or observations, parents just are not that interested. They're not bothered about Ofsted inspections or if I'm a Network member or not.

However hard CMs want - and deserve - to be seen as professionals, I very much doubt that the public perception will change. As someone on here said a while ago "I want someone bosomly who knows their way around a fishfinger sandwich". Parents just want somewhere caring and safe - not professionals or development goals or qualifications.

And to be honest, when I go back to WOH, qualifications, paperwork and professional status probably won't feature highly on my list of wants when looking for childcare.

I suspect more than 50% (minimum for nurseries) have a level 3 and a high proportion hold qualifications above level 3, with a fairly significant number holding QTS or EYPS.

Unfortunately not according to the Nutbrown Review (2.51) "Fewer childminders are qualified at level 3 than the workforce as a whole, though this is increasing (around 47 per cent in the most recent figures, up from 36 per cent in 2007)." I wish I knew where those data came from.

I believe those stats also only count 'relevant' qualifications - my 2.1 in Humanities doesn't count as a 'L3 qualification or above' - I think that's misleading, seeing as many CMs could be degree educated but not considered 'relevant'. It gives an impression of a less educated workforce than there actually is.

I asked at a seminar in September whether that level 3 figure included those currently studying and those qualified to a higher level. It apparently doesn't. Flawed research method because that could have changed significantly over the last 2(ish) years since data was collected, potentially 5 years if they're going by data on OFSTED reports.

I might email Pr. Nutbrown and ask.

Actually I think it's right to only count relevant quals, otherwise where do you draw the line? Should my A level in chemistry make me appear as qualified as an NNEB?

I think they have to only count relevant qualifications, same as in any other profession.

I don't want a lawyer with a PHD in biology, but no law qualifications and I don't want a doctor with a Masters in French literature and a 12 hour first aid course.

If I want a qualified childcarer, I want them qualified in childcare/education/child development not history.

I agree that childcare qualifications are desirable, but also that unrelated qualifications and experience in unrelated careers are a measure of the calibre of individual. Plus of course many parents will view parenting experience as invaluable. I think to say that almost half the childminder population is NVQ3 qualified and that this is increasing is actually quite encouraging, particularly as in my experience childminding is a second career for most CMs I know, and often represents a commitment to evening and weekend study, often self-funded, which is not something everyone can manage. To compare nursery staff and childminders purely on the basis of NVQ attainment is not comparing like with like.

C/minding is not a second career for 'most c/ms'...many are mothers and choose c/minding to also care for their children
Do spare a thought for those who have strived hard to make c/minding a career...I am one of them and some recognition would be welcome

Yes c/ms should hold qualifications in childcare ...not just desirable but a mUST and know child development like the back of their hand...those who do not cannot offer high quality IMHO
That is why I am against Truss' army of newcomers who may have degrees in something not pertinent to childcare
Please check figures from other countries where unless highly qualified you cannot work with children !!!

I'm so angry, as a childminder who works 50 hours a week, level 4 qualified, a waiting list....what about parent choice? All of my parents chose a childminder, and actually I have two children who were pulled out of a very highly respected local nursery, but it didn't suit the child.

I'm starting to think, whats the point anymore.............

I have an NVQ3, but also a BA in Early Years and I'm half way through my EYP ... not that anyone cares. I have now been told that if I don't attend a compulsory council course, I can no longer offer 3 yr old funded places, despite the fact that some others on the course have no childcare qualifications at all! Not even appreciated by people I know well.

italiana did you not have a career pre-CMing. I agree that most CMs I know have had a career in another area and then changed to make a second career out of CMing. Others have then changed a third time. To some CMing may even be a third or fourth change of direction. That doesn't make it a negative thing to say it's a second career.

And what about parent choice?

Yes I did ..it was in childcare too but decided c/minding was for me
HSMM and BoohI know what you mean...all the effort and for what?
I want parents to have a choice and many want c/ms..

Mr Anchovy are you a c/m as well as you are now in the blue forum too?

So it is a second career then? If you decide to give up childminding and become a dentist, that would be a third career...it's not an insult. I think childminding is a second career for almost all childminders tbh, not many go into it straight out of school/college/university.

Mr Anchovy are you a c/m as well

I don't think so, but I've been on the now pink forum long enough that I can't remember!

No it's certainly not an insult Italiana. I was actually applauding the fact that so many CMs taje the trouble to get further qualifications after changing careers.

Sorry Minderjinx...I think we are all a bit overwhelmed by the latest from Ofsted
Mr Anchovy I only asked as I have seen your post on the blue forum and I thought that was just for c/ms!!!
Looks like many have commented on ncma local about Susan Gregory's timely tirade and they have responded....I think we can see what is coming next week from Truss can't we?

You can't really make something just for CMs. Is that the forum which has replaced the one which got bought by the person who own the company which had lots of adverts on here? If so I haven't signed up for that one yet but I was on the pink one and I'm not a CM...

Go on, I'll ask! So what do you do Fraktion?