devastating ofsted inspection

[nell57]

I want to start in saying this has been the most horrendous time for me personally and sorry if it is going to be long one. But I have only just picked up the courage to post on here my experience, but I need to share it with you all, because I would hate this happen to anyone else.
I had my inspection in April and have gone from good, to graded inadequate. It has left me totally devastated. If someone who doesn't know me, as most of you don't, read the report I'm sure you would be horrified. But there are a few members on the forum that do know me well and know that the report is not a true reflection of me as a childminder and how I run my business. I am not an overly confident person, but did not feel on the day that I went to pieces. But on reflection I now accept that I may have become complacent that we could get away with doing less paperwork, when clearly in my case I should of been doing, just to prove myself.

I will tell you a little about myself first. I have been a childminder for 8 years. We have always had full support from the LA, I am on the city wide network, became accredited 2.5 years ago and have to go through a yearly process to keep the accreditation status. Last one dated Sept 2012. I came out as a low, meaning that is the best you can be. I have, up to now,had a close relationship with my development officer.

Now, about my inspection. I had two inspectors on the day, one being inspected by the other, while inspecting me. The one inspecting me was a new one, I think, she is a total unknown to anyone in the know. Her first comment on ringing me to introduce herself, when she asked how many children will be present, I answered her, 2:8m, 2:3m and a 9m, all boys, her reaction was, goodness you have got your hands full haven't you, what a strange thing to say to childminder who is allowed 3 children of that age? There are so many things that a stated on the report that contradict, I don’t know where to start. Sarah has read it and I will let her answer on what she thinks. I know many of you will say that I should of appealed and believe me I know that now, but I felt so shocked and weak at the time, believed the advice that if I did appeal it wouldn't change the outcome and do regret not doing so now. The reason I did not appeal is that I was led to believe that I would have a monitoring visit in 3 months from inspection date, so therefore I would of gathered the proof that 99% of the report is wrong. I have now been told that that they wont come to me now for 6-12 months.

I will list a few things but there are too many to mention here and anyone who would like to read my report are more than welcome to do so. You can then draw your own conclusion on what you think

one example: I was asked if the young baby could crawl, I answered not yet, but I have made an observation (written proof in his folder) that he is showing signs and what his next steps are, so will happen any time. 30 mins later baby crawled, very tiny crawl, with me making a big fuss, saying well done you did it. They then said in the feedback, that I'm not following babies development because I stated he couldn't crawl when he can!

There were a couple of safeguarding issues that weren’t as bad as a stated on the report. One, I didn’t have a fireguard in use on the day of inspection. We are advised by the LA that they are not a requirement and I dispute using one is a matter of opinion. Another that I am fully happy to accept, although not as bad as it is making out, is that in the report it states that I had trailing wires. They weren’t actually trailing. They came out of the keypad on the alarm box flush against the wall 6-8 inches, then back into the wall.

Many, many more things. The fact that I didn’t have a written planning sheet or written proof that i was covering all 7 areas on the day of inspection. She asked me questions on both and I thought that I had explained, but obviously not well enough. I had individual next steps on obs sheets, but they wanted to see them on a separate planning sheet. And again if anyone wants to read the report they are welcome, please pm me and I will gladly send you my reg number and i will answer questions you might want to ask.

I am now at a stage where I need to decide fight this or to give up childminding completely. I have no faith that it will get any better.
Thank you for taking the time to read and again apologies for it being so long.

[leeanne910]

I just wanna send u a hug. I had my first graded at inadequte thus week due to once incident...so i feel vulnerable too....but i wanna send a hug to u xx

[nell57]

I just wanna send u a hug. I had my first graded at inadequte thus week due to once incident...so i feel vulnerable too....but i wanna send a hug to u xx

So sorry to here that hun. Now Ive typed it all up, Im sitting here blubbering like a big baby again. Hope youre okay:group hug:

[christine e]

:group hug:

It sounds like you had an horrendous experience and yet another example of a really bad inspector

Cx

[FussyElmo]

Well I just want to say Im one of the members who know Helen and no way is this a true reflection of the childminder she is. Im still shocked about the grading that you have received as you do loads more than I do. I do think the report contradicts itself.

You know where I am honey xxx

[wendywu]

It is obvious to me what has happened. That your inspector was being watched herself made her go right over the top in a very unfair way.
I have refused before to have two inspectors in my home as it was unsettling for the children and so would effect my grade.

I would put in a complaint now say the time lapse is due to the emotional stress it has put you under. Im sure Sarah will give you good advice. Sending hugs x:group hug:

[lisbet]

:group hug:

I want to remind you that you and your families' know that you are providing well for their children, but I know that won't really help right now, after you've been dealt such a blow by incompetent strangers.

So sorry you've been put in this horrible, unfair situation. Hope you find the strength to ignore Ofsted and keep going for the people - small and big - who know you and value you xx

[Mouse]

You poor thing. It's awful that Ofsted inspectors can turn someone's life upside down so easily, especially when so much of it is based on personal opinion and their lack of real understanding.

I wonder if inspectors have to justify why they give grades like this. I know my inspector had to check it was OK to give me an outstanding as it was the first one she'd given. She had to prove to her bosses why I deserved it. Surely if an inspector has downgraded someone from good to inadequate, there should be a process in place to check it's right. It shouldn't have been enough that another inspector was there.

I really hope it's not to late to challenge it.

(((Helen)))

[Waveawand]

It sounds to me like you had one of the moron school of instpectors visiting times 2 you poor thing. Ive had similiar experience with being graded inadequate because i was in breach of one standard ( not telling them about my new born in writing - i was new to cming and was still in after birth shock if you get my drift. ) Please dont give up. You know what you do and your friends do too. Get em around for support. They ( inspectorts )arrive with their tick charts and off the go..... dont suppose you managed to say that it was the first time the child had crawled. But never mind.

My last inspection was by an outside agency and not from my LEA she was fab and normal and was very much watching me interacting with kids than looking at paperwork. Very different experience thankfully.
Please dont give up; we need good vocational childminders there are still a few dodgy ones in my neck of the woods and they have outstanding ( paperwork gurus) but to see them actually with the mindees would make you cry. honest.
Biggest hugs and I leave you with the thought that it can only get better. Dont give up get even love !!! XXX:thumbsup:

[hectors house]

My eyes are filling up just reading of your terrible experience - sending you HUGE hugs - I will still write a letter of complaint against the way your inspection was conducted, even if it is technically too late to appeal.

After my last inspection (which wasn't half as bad as yours) I was so disheartened by the whole system that I said I would never put myself through that again and when the inspector rings up to make appointment I was going to tell them not to bother and give parents 4 weeks notice. However my 4 years is up, waiting for the phone to ring (stopped answering with held calls), and I don't want to let the parents down by giving up yet.

I can't see how your local authority can judge you good and Ofsted grade you inadequate - can't your local authority write to Ofsted to argue on your behalf?

[wendywu]

Put in a written complaint and also demand that you have another inspection at the 6 months mark. Inform them at no time in the future will you permit two inspectors into your home. If an inspector is not capable of undertaking her job then you are not willing to be inspected by her.

I would suggest that they train their inspectors on dummy inspections as using working childminders is unfair. Good luck.:thumbsup:

[AgentTink]

Oh Helen, just reading your post has made me cry. It is easy to tell by the way you write your post that you care for your job, and that you are a good childminder. I have no advise, except to say follow your heart.

I am starting to really fear Ofsted with all the stories i keep reading, and i am satrting to believe that no matter what we do, if a inspector on the day doesnt want us to suceed then we wont :( all this does is drive childminders to agencies :(

:group hug:

[Rick]

So sorry to hear your story. It's scary because when you have an inspector through the door you just don't know who you are going to get. Will it be a reasonable or totally unreasonable one.

:group hug:

[Lincsminder]

I know exactly how you feel. My last inspection was awful, I wrote about it on here.

http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/forum/ofsted-information-ofsted-inspections/117983-my-worse-inspection-ever.html#post1242687

I'm still waiting for it to be published 7 weeks later so still have no ideas what trash was made up about my setting or me. There seams to be a spate of inspections like this lately and something needs to me done about it, but what I don't know.

[Ripeberry]

I'm due an inspection soon and I've learnt that as long as the parents are happy with you and the care you give then Ofsted's report might as well be gracing the toilet roll holder. And I don't expect to get 'Outstanding' next time and to be honest most of my parents have not gone by my grade.
They were very unfair on you and made you upset. But as long as the people that MATTER had happy then keep your chin up. You know you are doing a good job and to :censored:with them and their paperwork. :thumbsup:

[TooEarlyForGin?]

I am starting to really fear Ofsted with all the stories i keep reading, and i am satrting to believe that no matter what we do, if a inspector on the day doesnt want us to suceed then we wont :( all this does is drive childminders to agencies :(

:group hug:

I agree.

Complain, as they seem to be getting away with making up their own rules.

So sorry for such a rotten inspection, how dare one of your mindees move up the developmental ladder while they are there, because of course if you don't write it down, he won't be able to do it anymore!!

[Daftbat]

Hi Helen, so sorry to hear this. It is very worrying to read of so many people having issues with inspectors at the moment. My last inspection was over 4 years ago now and I am not looking forward to it.

However, you do need to make an appeal if you think the inspection was not done properly and that the report is not a proper reflection. If we do nothing then nothing will change. There will always be good and bad inspectors and we need to get the bad ones weeded out. I realise that it is difficult to put yourself in the right gear to fight (iykwim) but we are all here to spur you on.

Take heart - you and the parents you work for know your true skills - make sure others don't get away with not doing their job properly!
:thumbsup:

[caz3007]

So sorry you have gone through this. Nothing more to add but a big virtual hug xxxxx

[loocyloo]

oh hunny,

big big hugs to you.

xxx

i'm well over due an inspection and am starting to worry about it, as so many childminders are having a very tough and unreasonable ride at the moment.

[Ballette]

So sorry to hear about how awful your inspection was Helen.

Sending you big hugs :group hug::group hug: xx

[mrs robbie williams]

your post made me well up too :( it seems so unfair, we are under so much pressure with silly little things plus looking after three babies and sometimes more, with very little training, ive said before and i'll say it again without this site i would not be childminding now.

you mentioned not having a planning sheet for that day covering the seven areas? i dont do this - ever :eek::eek: please dont tell me its something i have to do :panic:

my inspection is due any time and i would be amazed if i go a good grading again, i just feel disheartened and worn down by everything at the moment, especially trying to be a fulltime housekeeper as well as childminding, started at 745 today finishing at 415 and then need to clean the house - joy !!! and as for paperwork ive really started to lose interest now i dont get time during the week, dh and the kids resent me taking time out at the weekend to try and get it done because that is our time :(

sarah is wonderful and my childminding hero :blush::blush: if anyone can help you she will :thumbsup:

[munch149]

I got a crappy inspector who only ever gave satisfactory to newbies. I'd also only been working 6 weeks so what hope did I have. Waiting on another now but think there is bit of a backlog here so might take a while

[sing-low]

So sorry this has happened to you. It makes me mad that Ofsted can get away with insisting on requirements that are not in the EYFS. Totally unacceptable, in my view. Hugs from me too.:group hug:

[Rubybubbles]

Oh Helen I'm so cross and upset for you. Having been on this forum you have always been great with advise

I am overdue my inspection 4.7 now and while 6 months ago I felt come on then, the more I am seeing the more I dread

Big hugs

[MessybutHappy]

Sending hugs, it all sounds very unpleasant and you've done so well to keep going since then. I hope your next visit is positive and you get your faith in the system back.
I know Sarah and the others will give you sound advice, and I hope you take comfort from the knowledge, that someone, somewhere will have learned from your experience and feedback.
Again, huge, mega, hugs.

[Samijanec]

Omg, I really feel for you, is it too late to appeal? Sending hugs though to you. X

[WibbleWobble]

i am totally gobsmacked by what you have written....I am so sorry this has happened to you.

All i can say is you have the whole of the forum behind you....thats a lot of passionate people who are stood with you.

Sending all my love

Wibble xxxxxxxx

[rosebud]

Hi Helen

I just wanted to say thank you for being brave and sharing your experience with us. Its a horrible experience but maybe some of us can learn from it and make better preparations for our own inspections, I have certainly been reminded of the need to be on my toes so Thank you and I hope things get better for you. Its probably not much consolation but in ten years I have never had a parent ask me about my Ofsted grading - they only want to know that we're actually registered.

[CLL]

Helen

I am so sorry for your experience and I am glad you feel brave enough to share. I have my inspection in 2 weeks and I am so nervous. When I started cm a few months ago I really wanted an outstanding for my first grade. Now I am worried that I will end up as inadequate. I guess it is all down to how the inspector sees you and if their opinion is the same as yours.

[CLL]

I just wanna send u a hug. I had my first graded at inadequte thus week due to once incident...so i feel vulnerable too....but i wanna send a hug to u xx

I hope you are managing to move on from this Leeanne and that you have things in place for your re inspection.

[merry]

That's truely appalling, I'm not at all surprised you're wondering whether to give up, I would be too. I don't have much in the way of written planning either, just the next steps really, and I was graded good, so I don't know where she got her idea from that it was a requirement! I too think it's not too late to put in a complaint. If I get downgraded at my next inspection, I've already decided I'll give up, my own children are grown up now and although I do this job because I love it, there are easier ways to make a better living!

:group hug:

[Kirstylob]

So sorry to hear about your bad experience. Hope you feel strong enough to keep minding and prove the inspector wrong at your next inspection by getting an outstanding. X

[mazza58]

So sorry to hear about the way you have been treated, sending big hugs

[rickysmiths]

I am so sorry this has happened to you. I was at a meeting today in London and this is a message that came across. A number of LAs are concerned about the number of vicious inspections under the new guidelines. Tribal and Prospects were present at the meeting so hopefully the message will filter back.

[blue bear]

Even if it's too late to complain to change your grade please do write to them and complain, the inspectors need to be questioned as to why they came to some of their judgements before they continue to apply them to other minders.

If a inspector rang me and said they were being supervised during my inspection I would ask them for someone not being supervised simply because you are the third person I've known to have two inspectors and all the inspections were a total nightmare.

It's so not fair it's like they are trying to prove themselves and are extra picky. Can't believe the o e about the baby crawling, basically calling you a liar, I'm gob smacked.

Don't give up prove them wrong and get stronger.

[PixiePetal]

I feel for you and wish I could give you a hug x

Having been through the wringer 2 years ago with allegations and suspension I imagine you feel rather like I did then. It all felt so hopeless :( I got through it and hope you get through this time too, you are a sweet person and have been unfairly treated.

[Samcat]

(((hugs)))

[kellyskidz!]

How awful!!!
Inadequate is SUCH a horrible word, I know it's been changed from satisfactory for a reason but it seems so much more harsh. It's scary how our livelihoods depend to an extent on one or two people coming into your home, who dont know you or your kids from Adam and making snap judgements based on a few hours of watching you.
It's so hard to tell you to keep your head up and it doesn't matter, because of course it does. I'd complain if I were you. A lot. Make a fuss, why not? It's your right to do so if you feel they were unfair. They aren't invincible or above complaint so yes, I'd do it. Good luck and sending hugs xxxx

[itsybitsyteeny]

How are ofsted getting away with this?? The comment about the ofsted inspector saying that next steps should be on a separate planning sheet for example - I wasn't aware of any 'fixed rules' for planning so how can that be a valid comment?

[Carol M]

Hi Helen,
They were incredibly harsh on you. I feel your utter pain. I wish for you to find the strength to complain. Written planning does not have to be on any specific pro-forma, were you able to explain verbally your set up of the day and how you planned ( can be in your head) to cover each area. I can see why so many childminders write reams and reams of planning etc.... just to show as evidence to Ofsted and even then Ofsted may not "like" that method. I have gone full circle now and only use a diary and notes, can't wait to hear what Ofsted ( prospects) think of that!. I would like to say I don't care, but of course I do, just like you care about your result. I'm hoping I have the strength to stand up for myself and debate any point the inspector makes.
Hugs to you Helen
Please let Sarah support you in your complaint.
Carol xx

[nell57]

Thank you all so much for your kind words and support. I am having a bad week emotionally, but I am taking comfort and strength from all your words. I know in my heart that although very harsh and over critical, if those tiny mistakes weren't there in the first place, I wouldn't be in the predicament I'm in now, so no one to blame but myself.

Not sure if my heart is in it enough to fight this feeling for what could be a year before I'm inspected again. But I am trying to fight my emotions and get some spark back:thumbsup:

An interesting fact, although I can't prove 100%. I googled the inspectors name and the only thing that came up was that of an email contact address of a nursery not to far from where I live. Another comment from someone else leads me to believe it is the same said person. So will keep to my own conclusion on a nursery manager, being anti childminder:(

Thank you all again for taking the time to comment, hugs back to you :group hug:

[angeldelight]

Don't lose your spark Helen

We all think your great

So keep fighting

Remember she's only one person !

Love to you

Angel xxx

[nell57]

Don't lose your spark Helen

We all think your great

So keep fighting

Remember she's only one person !

Love to you

Angel xxx

Thank you Angel.

I know I'm feeling the worse right now, but all your support is going a long way in helping me to keep fighting :thank you:

[itsybitsyteeny]

I think it's time we start 'pulling them up' on their invalid comments. The planning one is really bugging me as there are not set rules for planning. They won't be getting away with that in this house!!

[LilyB7]

We've had numerous gobsmackers from Ofsted inspectors. And they knock you for six when they nitpick and have no concept of the reality of working with children!
At our last inspection the told us that what they could SEE we were doing with the children was Outstanding, but because we couldn't support it all with written evidence, we would only be graded as satisfactory!
In other words we didn't tick their boxes!
Our policy has always been to be down on the floor with the children "doing", which our parents love us for doing - but ofsted obviously dont!
It demoralises you and makes you wonder why you bother!

[Tatjana]

So sorry to hear of the horror inspection you have been through

[CLL]

After reading the report it is quite evident that she had a personal grudge against you/cm in general. There are little things that we all forget but she has made them out to be major and although she has stated your strengths she does not seem pleased you have them. An awful experience an one I hope I don't have in 2 weeks time.

[anne h]

[shortstuff]

Im sorry to hear you had a bad inspection. Sarah gives great objective advice and if she can help she does x i know because she helped me come to terms with mine x we are always here x keep your chin up and let Sarah help x she is amazing. sounds like you got a very rough deal and not what you deserved at all x

[LisaC6LBC]

Oh you poor thing.. That's completely awful... I really hope you are fighting or have fought this??
I myself am due an OFSTED any time soon but if all this rubbish was placed in mine I would be ranting every day till it was changed!!
Lets just hope it doesn't effect your business with new potential parents coming to see you.
Big hugs X

[caz3007]

I was chatting to a friend of mine who is a social worker about all the rubbish reasons for downgrading CM's and she was gobsmacked. I told her about the safeguarding incident with the 6 year old and also the baby crawling and she was open mouthed. Its only Ofsted inspectors who think these things are acceptable to downgrade

[nell57]

 What an horrendous inspection if its any consultation a cm friend of mine was also down graded to inadequate when asked if a parent is due to pick up and you've exhausted all contacts to get hold of them what are you going to do she said lock them in the shed and hope at some point they'll turn up oh my did she pay the price for a silly comment she said look I know your going to say I should ring social services but I'm not going to do that suppose mums being in a car accident an when at some point she comes round is told by the way your kids are with social services her next inspector totally agreed with her and up graded her to a good

Do you what I made some tongue in cheek comment about my ds 21 leaving home and she just didn't take it as a joke and thought I was being serious. Some of them need get a sense of humour and stop acting like robots:thumbsup:

[Wheelybug]

Do you what I made some tongue in cheek comment about my ds 21 leaving home and she just didn't take it as a joke and thought I was being serious. Some of them need get a sense of humour and stop acting like robots:thumbsup:

The thing is you need a sense of humour to do this job. Between all the ridiculous requirements, the parents and spending all day surrounded by little people, you'd go mad if you didn't have a sense of humour.

I feel really sorry for you and your experience has made me really start to worry. I was obsessed with paperwork when I first started which obviously helped me get my outstanding grading. But I've always said to other c/m's that it doesn't mean I'm a better c/m it just meant that on the day I produced the piece of required paperwork. Saying that though, recently I've got sick to death of the paperwork and am realising that its not helping the children, it fact its having a detrimental effect as its stressing me out. So I've cut back, I stilll do everything I did before, but now most of it is in my head. I know where they are in their development and what each child's next steps are without having to write them down. I don't need to plan specific activities as I can incorporate next steps into what they are interested in each day. Obviously though this is not going to go down well with Ofsted as I don't have reams of paperwork to explain what I am doing.

I'd still be tempted to write a letter to Ofsted though. I recently helped a c/m friend write in complaint against their Ofsted inspection grading where they too were downgraded. Seems to be happening far to much. I wonder if it is just c/m or if nurseries and pre-schools are experiencing the same.

Cathy x.

[aella851]

Just want to send a hug and a bit of comfort. I am only at the courses stage and I am dreading the ofsted inspection.

[charleyfarley]

Well with me having the privilege of knowing you really well and reading your report I can honestly say what a load of twaddle!!!!! As you know you aren't the only one that was inspected with 2 people and you both got the same grade on the same day!!

I know about all the paperwork you do and keep for the children and how much the parents and especially the children love you to bits, that's what counts, not what 2 inspectors that only saw you for a few hours!!!

So my dear friend don't let them get to you any more (hard I know) you are bigger and better than that.:thumbsup:

Another reason to smile is it's only 5 more days :clapping::jump for joy::clapping:

Carol xxxx

[jenrunner]

Hi, Ive just spent an hour reading your threads about inspections that have gone wrong. Yes I too have had this experience. I reported the inspector for the way she addressed and spoke to my parents and because the inspection was flawed due to her refusing to look at my childrens' journals (citing she had seen enough eveidence) and then marking me down in that area leading to comments on my inspection report that I have had to look at for the last 4 years.
I feel 'inspector' and 'inspection' are wrong for us, we need verifiers who come along and confirm we are meeting the rules and regulations. We need a brief overview of our setting for prospective parents to read and a visit report that may include issues seen on the day that we need to be aware of; if it is not a serious issue.
The current process is causing a lot of unnecessary emotional upset and stress that is detrimental- my response was an old adage ' I'm a duck and you can't sink me' and I'm still childminding!!. Maybe it is time for those of us with a lot of experience to work out how we can help to make a change for the better!

[jenrunner]

Hi 'nell 57' hav thought about you are having a lot!!!! The inspector was wrong over the child crawling - the EYFS wording says 'to move around' and taking a first crawl is not moving around. If you decide to complain about your inspection write all your views down ; sort out the relevant wordings in the EYFS so you can make your points succinct when the OFSTED negotiater calls - you only get one go at this. I appealed my Inspection and whilst I didn't achieve a re inspection I had to go to a second stage and received a letter with a lot of apologies hence my views about the current 'inspection regime' Don't be afraid to complain and remember parents really know your setting and they and their children can tell the truth of how good our settings are. good luck. be pleased to hear you are ok and how you get on.

[rickysmiths]

 What an horrendous inspection if its any consultation a cm friend of mine was also down graded to inadequate when asked if a parent is due to pick up and you've exhausted all contacts to get hold of them what are you going to do she said lock them in the shed and hope at some point they'll turn up oh my did she pay the price for a silly comment she said look I know your going to say I should ring social services but I'm not going to do that suppose mums being in a car accident an when at some point she comes round is told by the way your kids are with social services her next inspector totally agreed with her and up graded her to a good

I thought about this one when we had the bombs in London. I know ask for 3 next of kin or the names of who ever has been appointed as the child's guardian in the even a parent dies. I explain it to the parents in what do you want to happen to your child in the worst case. If a parent failed to collect and I couldn't get hold of them in half an hour I would first contact the Emergency contacts and see if they had heard from the parents, if not I would then ring SS and explain the situation and ask if they want the child to go to the emergency contact, to stay with me for now or do they want me to start to contact next of kin. My understanding is that if you are able to continue to care for the child, even overnight, this is what would happen because they child then remains in a familiar place with someone they know well. I would also call Ofsted and alert them to the situation and the steps taken, if it was out of hours I would send an email marked urgent. I would never comment to Ofsted that I would not follow this procedure, it is the one we must follow despite what we may feel or want because the child is at the end of the day not ours and we can not make those kind of care decisions for the child. A school or Nursery would not and could not keep an un collected for and period of time once they are closed for the day. We are lucky that we may be able to if asked to. It is not a situation I would ever joke about either, very unprofessional, unless you can reel off the robust procedure immediately.

[jackie 7]

Please complain and it is not too late. Keep going with it. It can take years! Also request a copy of her script under the freedom of information act. Also tell your mp. I do feel ofsted are doing this so we will join am agency.