CHILDMINDERS & PARENTS - step this way.......opinions needed on OFSTED and their paperwork and inconsistancies!!

[bloodsuckingLOONEY]

A lot of us on here have moaned away about OFSTED and how they are getting worse and worse. Good childminders all over the country are quitting because they've had enough of the endless paperwork, training etc etc.

I want to get as many opinions as possible and send this thread to OFSTED as I feel very strongly about all this (yeah, yeah, probably hormones but still, felt like this before!)

So.....if you're a childminder....tell me what you think - I know a lot have said but please put on this thread.

Parents - what's more important to you....that we care for your little ones in a home environment, show them love and attention, play with them, take them out in the community etc etc or that we make sure you sign the attendance register, put posters all round the house, have 'wash your hands' signs in the toilet and 'no smoking' signs on all walls of the house, spend time writing endless observations as we go through the day etc etc.

I could have put it a lot better than that but I'm really tired, my eyes are getting blurred! I was going to wait until I was fresh tomorrow but I thought I'd strike whilst I feel so strongly!

ALSO....CHILDMINDERS.....what do you think of the INSPECTORS/INSPECTIONS? Fed up with them all saying different things and making you not know where on earth you stand? Fed up with some inspectors saying they'll never give out an 'Outstanding' grade just because that's them? Fed up with phoning up and being told one thing just to get into trouble for that info not being correct?

Give me all your thoughts as I really do want to send this to OFSTED but we need LOTS of you to come forward!!

Thanks, I'm off for my dinner now

[seekingsanity]

I am a parent i have an absolutly fantastic childminder and i am VERY concerned about what i hear and read here. I want my childminder to be playing with my kids feeding them cuddling them and looking after them (and getting messy with paint and crafts - so i don't have to do the messy stuff . I don't want her to be busy filling out stupid paperwork - yes i think she needs an accident book but things are going nuts. My last childminder who was completely fab as well was attracted to the job because she loved kids and because you din't need any qualifications and the paperwork required then (12 years or so ago) wasnt too scary i think its crap that women who would make mighty fine childminder are scared off cos of the paperwork. it's hard to find someone who you can leave your kids with and know they are being cared for just the way you want them to be. please keep the job what it should be - all about the children.

[Marney]

Havent been able to find childminder regulations on Ofsted site or any regulation relating to recording exact times of arrival and departure.BUT Still on record for breach of regulations on my report.On the ofsted site it talks about resolving things in a timely way which gives them plenty scope to leave people waiting as long as they choose. Must remember to include in my paperwork any forms not signed yet by a parent will be dealt with in a timely way. Some parents have seemed anxious having to sign so much so sooN.I want to know if iget to keep my job does it really depend on who is on holiday at ofsted. is it unreasonable to want an answer

[Marney]

I Really would like to know idont know what ican spend on my child at chistmas imight not have ajob soon.Tried writing to the head of ofsted got a .reply from some one else.havent even had a reply from ncma.If im being investigated shouldnt the investigators at least meet me.HAVING AREALLY BAD DAY SORRY IF THIS IS BORING CANT STOP CRYING WISH IHAD MORE THAN A COMPUTER TO TALK TO

[Marney]

The life improvers

[Marney]

Been checking human rights 1' no one may be compelled to belong to an organisation. what will happen if ijust go unregistered Article 23 everyone has the right to work and to just and favorable conditions of work No ofsted failing on this I WILL HAVE TO KEEP THEM ON RECORD FOR THIS ARTICLE11 no one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence Well this keeping me on record and on my report for not keeping to exact five minite times if only they had prosecuted me imight have been able to sue them .Idont believe every childminder puts the exact time children leave their house sometimes parents talk to us sometimes parents have a whole lot of things to sign.Best of all no one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy family etc or attacks on his reputation everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference Well im really not happy with my report .YES I NEED A LIFE

[bossybritches]

Hi Ladies (& any gents)

I run a nursery but am drawn to this thread because it echoes some of the problems/issues we have with OFSTED & I wanted to offer my support & ask your advice.

I have been talking to many nursery manager/owners about the increase in paperwork & the inconsistancies of OFSTED inspectors. Like you we have satisfied parents & happy well-adjusted kids so why do we put ourselves through this shite?

I have been considering for some time withdrawing from OFSTED's educational inspection (obviously I have to have the care inspections no problem with that)But the educational side really gets me down with the goals/targets/paperwork side of things. We are not a Nursery school we don't teach, they do learn but that's different!
But if I do (& I don't know if I can & stay registered) then my parents with 3+ age group won't get their funding so why should they be penalised. I don't know that I would lose business but I might when they realised they could move to another nursery & get discounts.

So what I'm saying is do you as CM's have the option NOT to be registered with OFSTED? or is it just not legally possible?
I know when we opened 7 yrs ago we had the option because as a private daycare setting we didn't HAVE to register it was recommended but not compulsory-but then Social Services did the care inspections in those days.

I just get so when we are all trying to provide a good, if not excellent service & the bloody paperwork is actually taking us away from doing just that!!

[BoysAreLikeReindeer]

Hi bossybritches

Yes, I am afraid that we must be registered with OFSTED, it is the law.

AS you can see from all the posts below (or above lol) some CMs have had problems with OFSTED.

My Inspector was fab, but apparently this was not the experience of many here on MN (using cagey language, sorry)

[bossybritches]

Thanks for replying BALR. I have suspected it was the same.

TBH there is a ground-swell of opinion in the private nursery sector as well & we all feel we ought to have a lot less paperwork & more time to do what we're paid to do look after & CARE for the children. The last inspector we had totally misunderstood our philosophy of learning through play & kept banging on about goals & documenting the next steps to ensure the child is "reaching the targets" we're talking 3 yr olds FFS??!

With my mothers hat on I would want(& I know my parents want)my child well cared for, loved & encouraged to be curious about life & the world in general. At our last inspection 3 sets of parents were pinned down by the inspector asking them if they new about the Foundation stage & the progress their child was making. Luckily she got the 3 parents whoe were OFSTED experienced (2 teachers & one who has her third child with us! ) & they weren't intimidated & responded much along the same lines.

This current OFSTED regime seems obsessed with education & I passionately feel that it's the wrong way to go.Sweden & Europe have far later school entry ages & a much better supported system of early years care than we do & their children are achieving as good ,if not better, results in later life.

I also feel that it's important that parents have the choice of good quality care wether it's CM's or daycare in small friendly settings. To tie us all up in knots with paperwork is just self-defeating as the good ones will give up & the crap ones who know how to play the game will flourish.

Sorry to rant but it's one of my (many)bug-bears- good luck to you for bringing this to OFSTED's attention BSL!

[Marney]

Has anyone ever made a complaint against Ofsted successfuly has anyone ever been given a date by which they should hear the result of their complaint. Or is the way im being treated standard procedure for them.How can an organisation who make it their business to demand such efficency from others get away with this. We only have to not yet have a signature on aparents permission form even if the need for that form hasnt arisen yet to be treated like we are not up to the job HhasANYONE EVER MANAGED TO GET THEIR REPORT ALTERED after requesting this is the inspector always the one they believe.If only we could have the same freedom to not do what we dont want to do.Have any other childminders also had their childs education ruined with the help of ofsted Ofsted have been helping to close alot of schools havent they half the secondary schools is it they now say are failing

[Marney]

These life improvers helped to ruin my childs education and now propose to take away my job and dont have the decency to even be quick about it. T o quote someone on the hate ofsted site such is my anger I nolonger care and justice is all i now seek.

[Marney]

In the Daily mail on Monday Prison officers are now being told by their inspectors to knock on cell doors before they go in and use christian names.DO the prison inspectors call the prison officers by their first names, The ofsted inspector i had didnt use my name atall she didnt really seem to see me. What about letting the prison officers keep some self respect and have some choice Some prisoners might suit first names and consideration others might just mock the prison officers for being too polite.LET them do their job their job is hard enough. I still have no news they have had my medical form back. When i phone ofsted icant get any answers Im told someone will phone back later but of course no one doesHOW MANY WEEKS DOES IT TAKE,myinspection was in september.

[Marney]

Finally some news have to see an Ofsted doctor no not soon in about 10 days so thats me finished.NO difference in my health to how it was when i started childminding but im no longer suitable obviously Hope the ofsted robots get to read all this. maybe they will at least speed the process up for the next one .Of now to listen to my fav. record now children of the revolution marc boland.yes im old but im passed the hormonal bit and normally healthy although obviously stressed since september

[Marney]

Just been reading about Pamela Reif in the news 2000 15 may a teacher she broke down in tears after her inspection sadly killed herself.Did ofsted take any notice NO The schools complaint was partially upheld.I AM GETTING NO WHERE WITH MY COMPLAINT OFSTED said someone would phone thursday but no one did Ihave asked for the name of the inspector who will make the decision about my continuing as a childminder but no one seems willing to answer that I MIGHT BE SEEING AN OFSTED DOCTOR NEXT WEEK BUT THE DOCTOR DOESNT MAKE THE DECISION . No the decision is made by the inspector very likely the one i complained about. I KNOW she requested i filled in a medical No I WAS NOT DEPRESSED BEFORE THE INSPECTION. but I was after meeting the inspector. NowI AM FULL OF HATE FOR OFSTED. they dont EVEN SEEM TO BOTHER ABOUT CONFIDENTIALLITY I have been able to find on the internet under ofsted medical assessments a full description of a childminder who didnt pass the .medical.So .now anyone can read about her sad life on top of her not being able to work. oFSTED DONT HAVE TO BOTHER about confidetiallity maybe they dont even need a policy.BUT from next year they want 100 pounds from every child minder and they dont even have to be a bit kind to us,They win again.

[Marney]

ANOTHER one 22.11.07 this is unbelievable how many before ofsted open their eyes TEACHERS LEFT A SCHOOL AFTER THEIR INSPECTION ofsted commented its the children who count.Have any parents or children thanked ofsted Lots of people do have sad lives or experience depression this does not mean ofsted should be allowed to keep on pushing people over the edge,Without my inspection Id still have been happily childminding oh dear you have been depressed in the past we have checked your medical history so thats why you cried after your inspection no chance your complaint will be taken seriously then . IF its about the children ask the children and parents for their opinions and try believing them when they seem happy with the childminders not intruding into medical records an awfull lot of people have depression at some time in their lives to use this to avoid the truth is sick

[Marney]

Dont forget your wallets

When your backs against the wall
remember how it got there
and if you can recall.
The people you demoralised
and soon forgot to call
Your wallets will be full
your life an empty shell
But will the children notice
when they hear you say goodbye

[Marney]

POLICYS FOR ALL
One inspector
two inspectors
if only one would fall

Wouldnt it be wonderful to see them all recalled
You really are unsuitable
The time has come to call
the remote uncaring people
and stand them on the wall
Oh never mind your monotone your
grey and empty life
Lets change it for some stress
and a policy filled life.

[Marney]

THE FORMIDABLE INSPECTOR
She sauntered in without a smile
There was no smile not even for the child
Im here to inspect
cup of tea certainly not
Listen to you
not likely.
Want to help encorage
not really
My work is to destroy
My delight to see you squirm

Goodbye ive squashed a fly


My child eats anthing
I put before him
But inspector quess what
your child

the one at home
who sits and squirms
his confidence sqashed
tomorrow has no job
All he learnt
dont question
dont speak
Dont ever disagree

But I AM THE INSPECTOR
He might just want a smile some choice
some self respect.
Not possible iam an ofsted inspector,

[Marney]

Well Im feeling really sane and healthy ready for the doctor tomorrow ,Have only ever normally had depression in relation to generally SAD EVENTS .I,am not mentslly ill. Obviously strong enough to cope with the ridiculous stress ofsted have been putting me under
Apparently they cant discriminate in this way .BEING ON AN ANTI DEPRESSANT DOESNT MEAN UNABLE TO WORK
So it will be taken to court if they decide being on a mild anti depressant equalls unsuitable person; If they finish me there will be an awfull lot more childminders and teachers out there on a low dose anti depressant .I suppose its a quick way to reduce childminders but I refuse to go quietly hopefully others treated in the same way will also take them to court if necessary.

[nannynick]

There is a tribunal case from 2005, regarding refusing a childminder registration due to depression. You may find it helpful.

I can not locate the full case results, but this is from Care Standards Tribunal Digest, September 2006

---
Registration
CP v OFSTED [2005] 543.EY
[Mrs Singleton, Mr Allman, Mr Greenacre]
The Appellant submitted an application for registration as a childminder accompanied
by the requisite health declaration in which the Appellant drew attention to her history
of depression. The Respondent issued a Notice of Decision to refuse registration
following an Objections Panel hearing. At the Tribunal hearing, the Tribunal stated
that the burden of proof lay with the Appellant to satisfy the Tribunal that she is
suitable to be registered as a childminder on a balance of probabilities. The Appellant
has suffered from depression and the consultant psychiatrist reported that if the
depression recurs and there is no supervision it may affect the care of children. The
consultant told the Tribunal that three of the most famous studies based on research
over a period of 15 to 30 years suggest that recurrence rates are between 80% and
100%. He stated that the longer she remained symptom free, the more likely it is that
the depression will not recur. He recommended, should she work with children, that
she should be supervised for a period of time. The Tribunal found this medical
evidence persuasive. Supervision was not feasible, and on assessing the risk, the
Tribunal decided that she had failed to show that she is suitable to be registered at the
present time.
Appeal dismissed

[Marney]

Thanks nannynick I have been registered for over four years nothing was witheld from my application,There was no problem about my application to begin with, Depression Ive experienced can easily be related to circumstances in my life at the time such as getting divorced ten years ago,It is normal to experience that kind of depression.If I was that bad I would not have been able to keep on working since my inspection or cope with the uncertainty about my job for so long .It would also probably be too much for me to go on my own on the train today and find the place
It is not reasonable either for ., .ofsted to talk about prosecuting people when they have not broken a regulation.Thanks for the infomation though it is interesting. perhaps they have made the medical more difficult to get through in the last few years. At least ive had a few years doing a job i have loved and made some new friends at the same time.

[Marney]

Thanks nannynick I have been registered for over four years nothing was witheld from my application,There was no problem about my application to begin with, Depression Ive experienced can easily be related to circumstances in my life at the time such as getting divorced ten years ago,It is normal to experience that kind of depression.If I was that bad I would not have been able to keep on working since my inspection or cope with the uncertainty about my job for so long .It would also probably be too much for me to go on my own on the train today and find the place
It is not reasonable either for ., .ofsted to talk about prosecuting people when they have not broken a regulation.Thanks for the infomation though it is interesting. perhaps they have made the medical more difficult to get through in the last few years. At least ive had a few years doing a job i have loved and made some new friends at the same time.

[Marney]

Sorry ive gone and got on twice again, Doctor seemed ok, said I havent got a mental illness.
But from what nannynick said I guess ofsted might still not be happy,

[Marney]

Sorry ive gone and got on twice again, Doctor seemed ok, said I havent got a mental illness.
But from what nannynick said I guess ofsted might still not be happy,

[Marney]

Policy for finding unsuitables

When you go in the Childminders homes
If they mumble or stutter and cant meet your eyes
If they twitch or they falter what fun
Just give them a stare
let them know you dont care
Theyll crumble and shake
They will stutter and break
Then back in your car
you can smile
Unsuitable
Worse than not good
Your job is secure
your wallet is full

Demoralising people such fun
But our policy alway remember
is squash all the weakest
Just dont kick a man when hes down

[Marney]

Medical assessments

Stand in line
got your passport
er sorry no
Well are you sure you are you
yes sir ill admit it
did think perhaps i could send
someone else more cheerfull
taller younger
more suitable perhaps
less bitter
Thought i might cry you know
wouldnt want that
But here I am feeling strong
Too old to care
and anxious to show
I can just about assert myself
when required
Although behaviour management is
clearly an issue
as in my report
I sometimes let children talk you see
laugh play make decisions that sort of thing
I have always been independant yes
Yes I suit being self employed
or thought i did
I mean is anyone self employed anymore
Im sane oh good just not suitable
i see
Unsuitables are going to be on the internet
for all the world to see
But how cool thank you sir
For once I can be proud