I have submitted my complaint

[shortstuff]

Well I received my written report from my grading and took an hour to write my complaint out. I raised, what I feel to be, 8 valid points. Time will tell. They have received it and forwarded it on to the relevant department.

My OH tells me I am wasting my time but I feel that I have to try.

[FussyElmo]

Good for you :D

[Rick]

Some people have had their grades overturned so definitely worth a try. If you hadn't done it you will have always wondered what might happen if you appeal.

Did the report sound better than you thought it might? Or was it as atrocious as the inspection?

Good luck anyway :thumbsup:

[shortstuff]

Some people have had their grades overturned so definitely worth a try. If you hadn't done it you will have always wondered what might happen if you appeal.

Did the report sound better than you thought it might? Or was it as atrocious as the inspection?

Good luck anyway :thumbsup:

to be honest with you Rick I felt like ripping it up it made me so angry. The things she has put in there are awful. Apparently im not meeting my legal requirements in taking the LO's outside. Well all she has to go on is that day and it was like today, raining on and off. I had the little ones painting hand and foot prints so they were only partly dressed and she thought we should have taken the painting outside to do? I should point out we had been outside for about 6 hours the day before doing all sorts and normally we are even when the weather is bad but not when they cant be dressed accordingly. I have even got a gazebo outside the back door to allow for this, which she saw.

Also I didn't incorporate all of the children in to my planning, but as I explained to her on the day it was only the third week one of them was with me and we were still getting to know each other, as she is only 14 months, so my planning for her was to see what reactions I got and if she was adverse to paint on her hands and feet.

[JCrakers]

Good luck, I'm fuming for you...


Keep us updated, I really hope something comes of the complaint.

[shortstuff]

Good luck, I'm fuming for you...


Keep us updated, I really hope something comes of the complaint.

thanks but im not holding my breath x

[hectors house]

You are right to complain, good luck with getting your grade changed or even if you just get the nasty comments removed/changed from your report if will have been worth the effort in writing the letter. Lets hope Ofsted are as prompt and thorough in responding to a complaint made about them as they are about complaints made about us!

[shortstuff]

You are right to complain, good luck with getting your grade changed or even if you just get the nasty comments removed/changed from your report if will have been worth the effort in writing the letter. Lets hope Ofsted are as prompt and thorough in responding to a complaint made about them as they are about complaints made about us!

thanks, i hadnt thought of it that way so really big thanks x

[MessybutHappy]

Well done you!

I too think Ofsted should be more accountable, all too often we don't "dare" to question! There is no Ombudsman, so "they" think "they" can get away with it!! And, until September at least, and possibly on beyond, an unfair satisfactory rating can impact on our earning potential.

I know that the children need to be protected first and foremost from poor settings where they aren't given the best start in life, but a Childminder who is prepared to come on here, ask questions, learn - well, I find it hard to imagine that children in that persons care aren't going to be put first!

[shortstuff]

thanks messy, i think if i was only worth a satisfactory i wouldnt have some of the children i do here as they have come from personal recommendations, from a very particular mum.

[smurfette]

Go you! That sounds absoluetely ridiculous, how could you paint outside when it's raining?!! Good on you, keep us posted

[shortstuff]

Go you! That sounds absoluetely ridiculous, how could you paint outside when it's raining?!! Good on you, keep us posted

thanks Murphf that just about summed her up, not forgetting her opening statement 'the best you can get is satisfactory on your first grading'

[smurfette]

thanks Murphf that just about summed her up, not forgetting her opening statement 'the best you can get is satisfactory on your first grading'

Yes I have just seen this, was away the week it happened and you updated us.. Madness. How can she know what you are like before she comes in the door?!

[shortstuff]

Yes I have just seen this, was away the week it happened and you updated us.. Madness. How can she know what you are like before she comes in the door?!

i agree, she was still working to pre september too lol x

[littlemiss60561]

Good for you. I bet with the attitude she had prior to even meeting you, if you had of gone outside then it would have been wrong! Let alone detrimental to their well being! Including the upset when there masterpieces were ruined from the rain! Silly woman .
At worst you should have ridiculous comments removed. Clearly untrue and ESP as you told her. :mad:did she mark any area good?
Edited for stupid iPad predicting what I wanted to write!

[Allie]

My friend had first graded ofsted and appealed her satisfactory grading she was regraded good without reinspection. Once the rubbish remarks and incorrect expectations were removed from her report it was an obvious good. The trouble is that inspector is still working for ofsted!

[kellyskidz!]

Good for you, like you say it might not make a difference to you personally, but if the inspector is questioned/told off it might make her less strict with another CM which is a positive. Hopefully though it changes your grading or the comments made, if you don't try you'd never know.
So sorry you had a bad time of it, it's what gives OFSTED a bad name sometimes and makes people wary of inspections. Keep us updated xxx

[shortstuff]

My friend had first graded ofsted and appealed her satisfactory grading she was regraded good without reinspection. Once the rubbish remarks and incorrect expectations were removed from her report it was an obvious good. The trouble is that inspector is still working for ofsted!

Maybe i had the same inspector as Im only up the road?

I live in hope that they are realistic. But my luck isnt with me at the moment so as ive said i wont hold my breath x

[The Juggler]

good luck honey xx

[shortstuff]

Thanks juggler x

[marnieb]

Well done for sticking up for yourself!! Let us know when they deign to respond !!!

[winstonian]

Well done. I really hope it all goes well for you

[shortstuff]

I will keep this thread updated x i have had initial contact to say it has gone to the right department so not sure how much longer now x i hope x

[Rick]

I will keep this thread updated x i have had initial contact to say it has gone to the right department so not sure how much longer now x i hope x

Fingers crossed something good comes of it. But at the end if the day, if this doesn't change anything at least you know you've tried; you haven't just sat back and accepted it. You know you do a good job, your parents know you do a good job and have recommended you so Ofsted can :censored::censored:

[shortstuff]

Thanks rick. I agree, they can jog on lol x

[Emra81]

Couldn't have said it better Rick!

At the end of the day, no matter the outcome, you'll know you did everything you could and *** 'em if they can't see how lucky your families are to have you!

Hopefully, your efforts will inspire others to do the same too. Hideous experiences like yours, with over zealous inspectors who actually don't know what they're talking about, seem to be cropping up more and more.

[CLL]

I hope you get the 'upgrade' you feel you deserve. I am not looking forward to mine, should be coming in July. I think I will have a copy of their inspection criteria laid strategically out on the table for her to see.

[Mrs Scrubbit]

Good luck Gail, so glad that you are standing up for yourself, I fear that Ofsted are often allowed to 'get away with things'. How anyone can be judged on their true abilities and expertise by a 2 hr 'visit' once every 3/4 years is beyond me. I really feel that the parents should be consulted and their opinions and views used more by Ofsted as a means to guage our true skills at meeting and providing a service for not only their child/ren but also for tailoring it to match the ways of their individual families aswell xx

[shortstuff]

Thanks mrs scrubbit x i think that might help too x

[trace1962]

My last Ofsted inspection was nearly 4 years ago, and the inspector was vile. I had worked so hard to get atleast 3 outstanding grades, and I know I deserved them. I had spent hundreds of hours getting ready. When she came she was literally "out to catch me out". I could just tell from her manner. On my sef I had written, the children wash their hands before lunch, but she got me so nervous, I forgot, we had not been outside as it was raining, and the activities I had been doing where reading, puzzles, drawing, so no one was dirty anyway. The result was, the inspector said I cannot give you outstanding for safeguarding for this reason. You wrote it in your sef, and you didn't do it. I can only judge on what I see on the day" There was nothing else but tiny petty things she could get me on. So I got a good.. And at the end of inspection I got 1 outstanding. I asked her " what more could I have done to get 2 more outstanding grades?" , and she replied "nothing. I just don't give outstandings to childminders !!" I was going to give up after that. I did make an official complaint to Ofsted about her, and guess who looked into my complaint,..... another Ofsted inspector. If this is still the same complaints procedure, what chance do we have of complaining and changing out outcomes to what we deserve?

[Rick]

My last Ofsted inspection was nearly 4 years ago, and the inspector was vile. I had worked so hard to get atleast 3 outstanding grades, and I know I deserved them. I had spent hundreds of hours getting ready. When she came she was literally "out to catch me out". I could just tell from her manner. On my sef I had written, the children wash their hands before lunch, but she got me so nervous, I forgot, we had not been outside as it was raining, and the activities I had been doing where reading, puzzles, drawing, so no one was dirty anyway. The result was, the inspector said I cannot give you outstanding for safeguarding for this reason. You wrote it in your sef, and you didn't do it. I can only judge on what I see on the day" There was nothing else but tiny petty things she could get me on. So I got a good.. And at the end of inspection I got 1 outstanding. I asked her " what more could I have done to get 2 more outstanding grades?" , and she replied "nothing. I just don't give outstandings to childminders !!" I was going to give up after that. I did make an official complaint to Ofsted about her, and guess who looked into my complaint,..... another Ofsted inspector. If this is still the same complaints procedure, what chance do we have of complaining and changing out outcomes to what we deserve?

It is so unfair that there is such a range of inspectors. To come in and say you don't give out outstanding grades to childminders is definitely grounds for complaint as it is discriminatory. My inspector was the opposite, she actually said she wouldn't mention something in her report as it would mean she couldn't give me a GOOD grading (potential fingers trapped in conservatory door). :angry:

[Petshrinklj]

Good for you Hun. I was hoping you'd complain after reding your previous post about your inspection. Best of luck. Will keep my fingers crossed that it gets sorted and you get grading you deserve. Keep us posted :) did they said how long complaints procedure takes?

[shortstuff]

Good for you Hun. I was hoping you'd complain after reding your previous post about your inspection. Best of luck. Will keep my fingers crossed that it gets sorted and you get grading you deserve. Keep us posted :) did they said how long complaints procedure takes?

thanks, i appreciate that. They haven't given me a time scale yet. I got told on the phone to email my complaint in to the enquiries email address. I have had a reply from there to say they have forwarded it to the correct department. My assistant that was here on the day read through the report last night and she couldn't believe it either so it isn't just me feeling angry x

[shortstuff]

Well I have received a letter today saying it has been passed to Tribal to be dealt with.

[hectors house]

I wonder if they just discuss it with the Ofsted inspector you had or whether someone rings you up to ask you questions too? Anyone else been through the complaints proceedure?

[shortstuff]

I wonder if they just discuss it with the Ofsted inspector you had or whether someone rings you up to ask you questions too? Anyone else been through the complaints proceedure?

I have been given two names with contact details of the people who are dealing with the complaint and I will be ringing them in a moment, I am not going to let this drop as I am still angry about the woman. Lets see how I get on, eh?

[shortstuff]

I have just spoken with one of the people in the letter from tribal. He sounded really helpful and has told me what the next steps are.

I will receive a call from my assigned investigator, the person will ask all of the relevant questions and then collate as much information as she can. They will then speak with the inspector involved and see what course of action will be undertaken next.

I guess it wont be a quick thing but they estimate that I will have my response by 9/7.

[Rick]

I have just spoken with one of the people in the letter from tribal. He sounded really helpful and has told me what the next steps are.

I will receive a call from my assigned investigator, the person will ask all of the relevant questions and then collate as much information as she can. They will then speak with the inspector involved and see what course of action will be undertaken next.

I guess it wont be a quick thing but they estimate that I will have my response by 9/7.

Fingers crossed for a positive outcome :thumbsup:

[Petshrinklj]

Glad the person you spoke to was helpful and you know what happens next. Good luck.

[shortstuff]

thanks I will post updates here when I have anything x

[lozzy23]

Hi

I've been away for a few days, so missed the post about you putting in a complaint. I am pleased that you have after reading about your Inspection. I wish you all the best and that you receive the result you deserve. Good luck xxx

[shortstuff]

Hi

I've been away for a few days, so missed the post about you putting in a complaint. I am pleased that you have after reading about your Inspection. I wish you all the best and that you receive the result you deserve. Good luck xxx

thanks Lozzy, when I explained to the people on the ofsted phone line they seem quite shocked that the inspector behaved in the way she did so hopefully something will come of it x

[Mrs Scrubbit]

My fingers are still crossed for you xx

[jackie 7]

A friend has just got a copy of her transcript. It had lots of thjngs wrong and was different in many ways to the report. She has made a complaint and will keep it going. It can take a very long time Ask fir the transcript and see what was written You request it under the freedom of information act.

[lubeam]

Hi Gail , great to hear you complained! Fingers crossed you get the grading changed :) keep us updated :) x

[shortstuff]

A friend has just got a copy of her transcript. It had lots of thjngs wrong and was different in many ways to the report. She has made a complaint and will keep it going. It can take a very long time Ask fir the transcript and see what was written You request it under the freedom of information act.

ooh thanks for that Jackie, i hadnt though of that x I will get on to it, when they eventually phone me which is step one x oh and ive just noticed they have already published it online!

[Mrs Scrubbit]

Hi Gail, I've just read your report and I must say that it doesn't read bad, but I know its a case of 'you had to be there' to get the true meaning behind it.It won't put parents off as there are lots of positves.I think she comes across very picky and parents will read into that. I've read some of her other reports that are equally 'picky', so carry on with your complaint and stand firm for what you know you justly deserve( and hopefully she will be offered re-training !) You know that you have the support of the forum behind you and all our good luck vibes are winging there way to you xxx

[starschildmind]

thanks Murphf that just about summed her up, not forgetting her opening statement 'the best you can get is satisfactory on your first grading'

Sorry havent read the whole post.. stopped at this one. Its rubbish. I just had my first grading. I got good with outstanding outcomes. So its rubbish. That makes me so cross that she has even come in with that attitude. Whats the point in all our hard work if thats what they do... grrrrrr!!! X i will carry on reading now!!! X

[sarah707]

A friend has just got a copy of her transcript. It had lots of thjngs wrong and was different in many ways to the report. She has made a complaint and will keep it going. It can take a very long time Ask fir the transcript and see what was written You request it under the freedom of information act.

I have just been reading the latest copy of the Ofsted complaints rules - even requesting that and making robust complaints won't delay the publication of your report unfortunately.

That is partly why it is so important to make a complaint DURING the inspection!

Tell the inspector - I am not happy with what you are saying.

Ring the helpline during the inspection - ask them to log your complaint.

Ask your local support officer for help - explain what is happening - say you are making a complaint and would like them to check the legislation. It is always a good idea to let someone else check for you - they don't have the emotional worries that you are going through so can look with a clear head.

You have the absolute right to stop bad practice in its tracks.

We really need to challenge inaccuracies and blatantly wrong decisions!

xx

[shortstuff]

Hi Gail, I've just read your report and I must say that it doesn't read bad, but I know its a case of 'you had to be there' to get the true meaning behind it.It won't put parents off as there are lots of positves.I think she comes across very picky and parents will read into that. I've read some of her other reports that are equally 'picky', so carry on with your complaint and stand firm for what you know you justly deserve( and hopefully she will be offered re-training !) You know that you have the support of the forum behind you and all our good luck vibes are winging there way to you xxx

thanks Mrs Scrubbit, that means a lot x

[hectors house]

I have just been reading the latest copy of the Ofsted complaints rules - even requesting that and making robust complaints won't delay the publication of your report unfortunately.

That is partly why it is so important to make a complaint DURING the inspection!

Tell the inspector - I am not happy with what you are saying.

Ring the helpline during the inspection - ask them to log your complaint.

Ask your local support officer for help - explain what is happening - say you are making a complaint and would like them to check the legislation. It is always a good idea to let someone else check for you - they don't have the emotional worries that you are going through so can look with a clear head.

You have the absolute right to stop bad practice in its tracks.

We really need to challenge inaccuracies and blatantly wrong decisions!

xx

Can we threaten the Ofsted inspector with YOU!:laughing:

[shortstuff]

Ok so i chased tribal on monday as i still hadnt heard anything. I sent an email asking for timescales at whoch i would receive my phone call. I received a call by the person i had sent my email to. He apologised and said the delay was due to how many complaints they have received recently.

I got my call from the lady who is dealing with my complaint yesterday. She sounded great on the phone and took me through all of my points one by one. She was not allowed to give me any idea of whether my complaint would be upheld as they will also look at the notes from the day and speak to the inspector.

I was told that it is unlikely i will have the end result any earlier than the initial date i was given which was 9th july.

Just more waiting but at least i feel a little better now as i was made to feel like i am being taken seriously.

All i can say is thanks for reading and for the support i have been given. You guys are amazing x

[WibbleWobble]

Ok so i chased tribal on monday as i still hadnt heard anything. I sent an email asking for timescales at whoch i would receive my phone call. I received a call by the person i had sent my email to. He apologised and said the delay was due to how many complaints they have received recently.

I got my call from the lady who is dealing with my complaint yesterday. She sounded great on the phone and took me through all of my points one by one. She was not allowed to give me any idea of whether my complaint would be upheld as they will also look at the notes from the day and speak to the inspector.

I was told that it is unlikely i will have the end result any earlier than the initial date i was given which was 9th july.

Just more waiting but at least i feel a little better now as i was made to feel like i am being taken seriously.

All i can say is thanks for reading and for the support i have been given. You guys are amazing x

i have actually laughed out loud at this......i wonder if the powers that be have got wind of this?

probably not.....

well done on seeing this through.....its a PITA but you will reap the rewards

love Wibble xxx

[lubeam]

Glad there taking you seriously , hopefully it'll be good news on the 9th of July :) x

[hectors house]

Its a pity they can't be shut down while complaints are investigated - I would hope that if they get several complaints about the same inspector that they get suspended while it's being investigated.

[Rick]

Ok so i chased tribal on monday as i still hadnt heard anything. I sent an email asking for timescales at whoch i would receive my phone call. I received a call by the person i had sent my email to. He apologised and said the delay was due to how many complaints they have received recently.

I got my call from the lady who is dealing with my complaint yesterday. She sounded great on the phone and took me through all of my points one by one. She was not allowed to give me any idea of whether my complaint would be upheld as they will also look at the notes from the day and speak to the inspector.

I was told that it is unlikely i will have the end result any earlier than the initial date i was given which was 9th july.

Just more waiting but at least i feel a little better now as i was made to feel like i am being taken seriously.

All i can say is thanks for reading and for the support i have been given. You guys are amazing x

We are all here for support :group hug:

[Emra81]

So glad it's all sounding positive. Roll on 9th July! x

[CLL]

One rule for them and one for us! The hoops we have to jump through to make the grade and they are not bothered if they ruin our lives as they still get paid. I am so angry for you but glad you made your complaint and I hope you get it changed to good!

[Petshrinklj]

That sounds quite positive Hun. Good luck. That's interesting that they are having lots of complaints at the moment. I wonder if that's due to inspectors getting worse or if inspectors have always been rubbish just people feel more able to complain. Well done I'm glad you will get the outcome in a few weeks. Good luck.

[Samijanec]

Good luck, I hope it works out for you, I'll keep my fingers crossed xx :)

[blue bear]

Well done you for chasing, I'm sure they delay calling back hoping you change your mind or don't bother. How concerning is it that they admit they can't cope with the number of complaints they are getting :panic:

[shortstuff]

I was quite surprised to hear it myself, im nit the kind of person to leave something if I think im right, or at least had my opinion confirmed. A couple of the points I had pointed out to me that I should drop so point taken but on the whole i was told during the phone conversation that I raised my points in a polite but full way. It was quite reassuring that I had managed to keep it polite as that was the last thing I was feeling. Maybe its because I took an hour over it. I think I read it about ten times before I pressed send.