CM Club - Why would Ofsted be ringing me?

[omgwhatdotheywant]

I am slightly worried here. Went out without my mobile today and got home to find messages on my house phone and mobile from Ofsted - asking me to call them. They say they have a few questions about my registration.

What could this be about? I am worried for some reason.

It can't be about my inspection as normally one of the inspectors call you directly. This was someone from the regional office.

Could it be something routine or am I right to be concerned?

Has anyone else have Ofsted phone them?

When you had your last inspection, were there any recommendations made by the inspector which you might need to confirm that you've done (any building work? poisonous plants? locks on a door? documents needed? etc.)

I guess that you are probably worrying that someone might have made a complaint about you. I'm not suggesting you've done anything wrong at all - people can be downright nasty. (I have a variation to have 4 small children one day a week, and several people have commented on how many I have - somebody could easily complain rather than ask me).

I know of someone who had a call from Ofsted because she had apparently rung to say that she no longer wanted to be a childminder - she hadn't!! They wanted to check before they despatched paperwork (or whatever it is that they do).

Have you asked for or ever been given a variation? They might be checking if you still want it/are still doing it.

They might want to check ages of your children, or whether you have a partner (one of my friends apparently became "unmarried" between one inspection and another, they had no record of her dh).

Try not to worry, although that's easier said than done, I know. If it was something ultra-serious, they wouldn't be ringing you - they would be camping on your doorstep.

i wouldnt worry - thats loads easier said than done, you would think they would leave a brief message as to what it was concerning but maybe its not that important? maybe they just want to find out some extra information?

they rang me to question me about my social services file, when my dd1 was 1 her bio dad made a complaint about me to them, of course they visited and realised it was totally unfounded he was just trying to get at me for not allowing access!

once i explained to ofsted they completely understood and said they had to follow it up but as id been honest with them that was the end of it. but for a minute i was freaking out, i was angry that something my ex had done could have ruined our future! i havent even seen him for 6 yrs, but i stayed calm and explained properly and it was fine as im sure will be the outcome for you so have a nice weekend, get yourself a large glass of wine and relax it will be fine.

I had a call today, just to say that ofsted were doing their next round of inspections in the next few months and an inspector would contact me nearer the time.

They did ask if I was currently childminding and about the days and times I have children.

Maybe it is something like that.

Thanks for all your replies. I feel a bit reassured now, although, yes, I am worried someone has made a complaint. Although I know it's silly - there is nothing anyone could have complained about but it is always there in the back of your mind.

Amylouise - that is reassuring. I wonder if they were doing random calls today. Was it an inspector who called you or someone from the Ofsted 'office'?

oh yes i got a call saying they are coming to visit me soon too, it was last week , it could be that.