Well, I spoke to a LOVELY lady at OFSTED and asked her about this permission thing for mindees au pair (see other thread). She said it's fine if parents have given permission for her to give the word as that in itself is parental permission.
I asked for this in writing and explained about inspectors saying different things. She said this shouldn't happen as it's all down to what the standards say HOWEVER did say people can interpret them differently.
I mentioned that I'm in a BIG group of childminders on the internet, that it was a VERY popular website and that LOTS of people have had problems with OFSTED. I said (politely) that OFSTED are not childminders favourite people due to their lack of consistancy. I gave some examples and said this is a COUNTRY-WIDE problem.
She was lovely and said this is not on and that when I email them to get confirmation in writing, I should mention all this and that's why I want it in writing as I'm worried one inspector could down grade me due to THEIR opinion!
I said I may well get all these childminders to send an email in, she actually said this would be a good idea!!!
SOOOOOOOO, for all of those who are fed up with OFSTED and the way they work differently, please please please send an email to: [email protected]
I will add to my list how AWFUL it was when I moved house due to their lack of consistency.
Cheers
TP - you better write in!!!