Becoming a childminder despite of OFSTED :(

[Mammagirl]

Hi everybody,

I am currently trying to become a childminder with OFSTED and I had no idea it will be so complicated to register with them!
The first time I tried to register, I was pregnant. They wanted to do the registration visit very closely to my due date. I asked them to reschedule as I would probably be in the hospital at the date they wanted to come.
First, they refused to reshedule the date, then withdraw my application. They also refused to give me a refund. I was pretty upset with them as you can imagine.
Then, I reapplied recently. They are now pretending they did not receive my health form. I sent this document by email three times from different computers and with different formats (J.P and PDF). They are still pretending they could not open the document.
Then, I sent my healthform by post. Again, they are pretending they did not receive it. I've got a writting proof from the royal mail they recerived it...
I am seriously asking myself what is wrong with these people? Are they doing it in purpose?? Are they just super imcompetent??? It makes me feel incredibly aprehensive of the registration visit...

I was wondering if some childminder have experienced something similar with them? I am now considering using a chilcare agency but I am not sure wich one to choose? or if it's worth it?

Any experience or any kind words would be really appreciate. At the moment, I feel pretty tired and depressed by what happened cause of them. I even wonder if I will manage to register one day😥

Sorry your having a hard time with ofsted. Not that uncommon I'm afraid. Just keep on giving the info, and chasing it up. It does get better once you are registered. If you have done an introduction to childminding course, you will be fine at the registration visit. It's some safeguarding questions and then lots about the 7 areas of the eyfs and what you would plan for children etc. Most inspectors are nice.

I really wouldn't go with an agency. You would have further costs and it won't get you registered much faster, plus some take a cut of your income each month. They sell the idea they offer lots of support for being with an agency, but you can get plenty of training, support and advice for free. Not that long ago, an agency closed after a poor ofsted inspection. All the childminders with that agency had to suddenly register with ofsted. It was a nightmare for lots, stress and the time scales to get set up or loose your business. You are far better off with ofsted directly. Your local authority should support you, some offer free training, and there are some great websites like childcare. Co uk or visit Pacey. Also lots of Facebook support groups too for advice. Hang in there, it will happen, but they are notoriously slow.

Have you reached out to your local authority for support? Lots of LAs will support new childminders through the setting up process and talk you through how the funding works too

Hey there! Oh gosh, that sounds like a total nightmare with Ofsted! Seriously frustrating dealing with all that back and forth, especially when you’ve got proof of sending everything. It’s totally understandable that you’re feeling tired and down about it – it would get anyone down!

Maybe it’s worth reaching out to your local council or authorities? Sometimes they have support or advice for people going through the registration process and might be able to offer some guidance or even help mediate. In the meantime though, keep pushing them with emails.

Also, i’m not in the industry but have hired from little ones and regularly get their newsletters. I saw they do Ofsted Chilminding courses. I don’t know too much about it but look it up, maybe it will help.

Hang in there, you’ll get through this! Don’t let them get you down too much. Sending some good vibes your way!

Yes the registration process is ridiculously frustrating. Many childminders have had paperwork lost by Ofsted. Ofsted delayed my registration visit as they said they hadn't received my references. They had as they had been sent to them twice. It's very annoying when they are the body that are meant to hold childminders to account 🙄

Once you are registered it's plain sailing but communication is still pretty dire if you ever need to speak to them about anything.