I'm about to climb onto a soapbox

[MiniKins]

I'm about to climb onto a soapbox ~ a very large soapbox!

Dare I suggest that Ofsted is becoming a joke? Full of self-importance, needless reforms and up its own backside with overbearing requirements that hinder the job of minding children ~ don't get me wrong I'm not saying the good work we do in the areas of learning and development isn't important…what I'm appalled by is the lack of attention given to the information we hold on children.

For me it's child protection that is paramount ~ I'm sorry but education is secondary. I rather ensure a child is protected from abuse than able to write their name before going to school.

The majority of providers nowadays hold:

A photograph…
Names (including a 'pet' name)…
Age…
Addresses…
Names of grandparents and friends…
Likes and dislikes…
Comfort items…
Special words…
All the way down to perhaps a favourite toy

Please ask me to demonstrate how I ensure that doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

How I destroy data on an old hard drive when I change my computer.

What I do if my phone or iPad gets stolen.

Yes, I've got a policy…but do I understand what it means?

I don't want to seem patronising but many childminders haven't even registered with the Information Commissioner's Office let alone have a clue as to what the Data Protection Act is talking about. In my opinion if you don't, that should mean immediate suspension.

Oh silly me, there's no need to worry about any of this because I can demonstrate how we take into account the dietary wishes of Child A!

Maybe things are different around here ~ most of our parents want their children to be happy and safe, have good manners, be polite and enjoy their childhood whilst knowing that our 'old fashioned' methods will give then a good grounding for school. They don't want them assessed and labeled 'emerging'…if there is a label, they want it to read 'happy and loved'.

Here are some bullets to shoot me down…

[jackie 7]

Oh yes I am with you. We know that each inspector looks at us differently. We know that's my have their own agenda regarding childminders. Teachers are complaining that they are being judged on their teaching!!! Join us!! I choose not to do teaching I don't believe we should teach children to write or even hold a pencil until they are at least 5 if not 6. I want them to learn how to put on shoes or their coat. How to eat with a knife and fork. How to mix with other children but the problem is I live in the wrong country.

[karensmart4]

I want children to feel happy, contented, and accepted.... I want them to socialise ... to play... to explore... to be CHILDREN and not little robots.

I love it when I see my little ones having little comfy chats together when they are playing with their friends, when they are mucky from exploring in the woods or baking cakes....... that to me is what childminding is all about, not form filling and marking targets off.

You get on your soap box and if there's room I'll join you