I have a dilemma....

[mogs0]

I'm STILL filling in my CM forms (in Wales through CSSIW) and today when I was going through them (again!!) I came across something that I don't neccessarily think should be in one of my policies.

In my statement of purpose I have said that I have toys, books and activites to suit babies, toddlers and older children. The lady from the NCMA says that I also need to state that they are for girls and boys but I dis-agree. Surely that is then making the toys, books and activities gender specific which I have spent a long time trying to discourage (with parents as well as children)!!

My ds (nearly 6) was telling me about a girls toy that he'd seen on tv and how he would never play with it because it was for girls. I pointed out that he plays with the doll's house, baby and buggies etc. "But they're for girls and boys" he replied. Because all the toys in my home are available for the girls and boys to play with equally, he didn't question whether they were for girls or boys.

So, lady from NCMA said that my CM inspector is really big on this sort of thing and will tell me to put it in my policy. Do I put it in because I know that's what inspector wants even though I disagree or leave it out and make a point?!

hi, i'm a cm in wales. in my statement of purpose i state that i care for girls and boys, i also mention that i offer girls and boys learning opportunities through play, and provide a range of toys appropriate for all age groups. that doesn't make it sound as if they are different toys for boys and girls.

I agree with you entirely. I never had it worded as girls and boys in my policies and it was never questioned. But then, we all know that all Ofsted officers work differently!

Moshies option is a goodie though, that'll keep her sweet! I bet she never even mentions it, but hey ho!

I specifically mention that my toys are not gender specific

So did I, i think Katy. Can't remember if it was actually mentioned in my policies or just in a chat with Ofsted officer. I'm sure it was her that suggested that I should put it like that.

Thanks! I had a similar thing when registering with Ofsted about Equal Opps. I was purposely going around looking for toys and books that included everyone and felt that I was drawing more attention to disability/ethnic background etc and therefore defeating the point. Or, maybe I'm just being an awkward whatsit!!!!!

when do the babysitting course we look at toys and gender roles and we always say toys are for all children and shouldnt be stereotyped as long as they are age-appropriate. all the girls who did the course this time put every toy i named into the column for both which was fab

I agree, so do I put what CSSIW want to see or get into a debate with inspector?

perhaps you should use the sentence from your post-'all the toys in my home are available for the girls and boys to play with equally',
that sums it up well i think.

good idea, if I ever get off MN I might just get those forms filled!!! Why do CSSIW make you fill in so many forms when ofsted don't?!!!