Childminder/Ofsted report question

[bean612]

I'm currently looking for a childminder and just met a very nice one who has over 30 years experience. She showed me her last Ofsted report which was good, but dated early 2004. Apparently there hasn't been one since then, and I just wanted to check this was normal? She said they inspect every 3 years but don't get a full written report every time, especially if they have been childminding for a long time, as she has. Does this sound right? She seems trustworthy but I want to make sure...

It is possible she has slipped through the inspection net, but I am surprised that it would be that long ago! Another way of checking is to go to the Ofsted website & put in her post code & see what reports come up, if the 2004 one was the last then yes it would be right, this will also tell you whether she is still registered.

I can't imagine they get away without a full report just because they've been doing it many years??? Shoshe should know as she's been childminding a long time and had an inspection recently.

But yes, it's possible she slipped through the net as I know some do. You can always ask for her reference number and phone Ofsted if you can't find anything on the website. I did this recently for a school report I couldn't find.

Do as Badger said and and look it up.

i have been CM 30 years and I get a Ofsted every three years (OK sometimes they are late, longest I have ever know is 3.5 years, never 5 years)

It doesnt matter how long you have been CMing, you still have a normal full Ofsted, I Have just had my 3rd report since Ofsted took over in 2001.

Ofsted Inspection Finder

I'm with the girls on this one, inspection is every 3 years regardless of how long you have been doing it, tbh if cm has been minding for that long she should have contacted ofsted under her own volition to let them know she hasn't been inspected for so long, especially with so many new rulings that have been but in place over the last 12-18mths, I don't particually like inspections but as a CM i'd be concerned if i didn't get one on time it's not good practice to leave such an important aspect for such a long time, and I doubt very much that the big O will be very understanding either, go on ofsted site and check her details are still registered - could be a genuine error - but then again CM should have dealt with it way before now imo.

Shoshe - thank you sooooo much for all your linkie things and advice - u r fab

I'm at 3.5 years and I am expecting 'the call' every time the phone rings.

Thank you everyone, and particularly badgerhead for pointing me in the right direction. I've found her on the Ofsted website - last inspection May 2006 (so she must be due another one pretty soon!) and overall classed as 'good'. So I'm happy. I guess she'd just forgotten when the last visit was...?

One more thing, just wondering - is it odd she had an inspection Feb 04 and another one May 06, ie. so close together?!

Nope, it doesn't need to be 3 years on the dot

Can be a bit before depends on how busy / unbusy area is - if it was complaint related will be a record on report if any action was raised. Glad you solved your query.