OFSTED announce new inspections regime (26 Sept 2014)

[Simona]

Priorities for improvement

Helping to improve early years provision | Nursery World (http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/nursery-world/opinion/1147042/helping-improve-provision)

[zanacal]

I'm trying, and failing, to get more information regarding not inspecting new settings for 30 months (as somebody who has been registered for 5 months and has been working towards inspection!). Do we know if it applies to childminders already registered or just to those who register in future? Has it been mentioned anywhere apart from the Nursery World article?

[Simona]

I'm trying, and failing, to get more information regarding not inspecting new settings for 30 months (as somebody who has been registered for 5 months and has been working towards inspection!). Do we know if it applies to childminders already registered or just to those who register in future? Has it been mentioned anywhere apart from the Nursery World article?

From the response PLA gave in The Telegraph it appears these changes are imminent...they are for CMs as well and include 1st inspection at 30 months.

It was announced in the NWorld article by Nick Hudson but I am not aware of any Ofsted factsheets or guidance that has confirmed this yet...seems strange to announce such change via an article?

I am more than sure that we will hear more as the overwhelming opinion is that people are against this delay...
lets keep each other informed as best we can

Warning over shake-up of Ofsted nursery inspections - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/11124609/Warning-over-shake-up-of-Ofsted-nursery-inspections.html)

[zanacal]

Thank you Simona.

[EmmaReed84]

Sorry to be so thick! So, am I reading this right? New registrations will have ther first inspections within 30 MONTHS! As in 2 years 6 months? Is that a 'within' that time meaning could be 6 months, could be 2 years, or at 30 months?

Surely that is an awful long time for someone to have their first inspection?

[Simona]

Sorry to be so thick! So, am I reading this right? New registrations will have ther first inspections within 30 MONTHS! As in 2 years 6 months? Is that a 'within' that time meaning could be 6 months, could be 2 years, or at 30 months?

Surely that is an awful long time for someone to have their first inspection?

This is what Hudson says:

''From now on, we will give more time for post-registration inspection. Rather than an inspection within seven months of registration, we will now undertake an inspection within 30 months

This will free up a great deal of time – we estimate up to 10,000 days - and allow us to prioritise those nurseries, childminders and other early years providers that are not yet good or outstanding. It will also give new providers longer to embed their practice so that at their first inspection they will have every chance to show that they are good or better

Of course, if we hear of a safeguarding concern then we will take appropriate action, and that may well include an early inspection. But new early years providers can no longer expect an Ofsted visit within seven months''

yes it is 2.5 years as you say...it also says 'within'...giving time to embed practice ...can also be read 'time to practice inadequately' for 30 months ....back to have to interpret I am afraid....but I think everybody seems clear it means 30 months....not sure how this will improve practice and who it will benefit?

[EmmaReed84]

This is what Hudson says:

''From now on, we will give more time for post-registration inspection. Rather than an inspection within seven months of registration, we will now undertake an inspection within 30 months

This will free up a great deal of time – we estimate up to 10,000 days - and allow us to prioritise those nurseries, childminders and other early years providers that are not yet good or outstanding. It will also give new providers longer to embed their practice so that at their first inspection they will have every chance to show that they are good or better

Of course, if we hear of a safeguarding concern then we will take appropriate action, and that may well include an early inspection. But new early years providers can no longer expect an Ofsted visit within seven months''

yes it is 2.5 years as you say...it also says 'within'...giving time to embed practice ...can also be read 'time to practice inadequately' for 30 months ....back to have to interpret I am afraid....but I think everybody seems clear it means 30 months....not sure how this will improve practice and who it will benefit?

Hmm... So you could set up as an early year provider, have all your policies and procedures in place, being working away for 2.5 years thinking you are doign great, then get told... 'Oh you have been doing it wrong for 2.5 years' I know no one likes an inspection, but I see them as a way to improve, I must be odd, although I am nervous I very much welcome an inspection. Just to make sure I am doing it right, that little bit of confirmation lol!

It just seems such a long time, I mean... 2.5 YEARS! Even 18 months is a long time IMO.

What does this mean for those due inspections? I am due my 2nd inspection in Dec. My MIL was due in March, and still nothing. I know a lot of settings in my area who have been due this year and are still yet to be inspected.

[Simona]

Hmm... So you could set up as an early year provider, have all your policies and procedures in place, being working away for 2.5 years thinking you are doign great, then get told... 'Oh you have been doing it wrong for 2.5 years' I know no one likes an inspection, but I see them as a way to improve, I must be odd, although I am nervous I very much welcome an inspection. Just to make sure I am doing it right, that little bit of confirmation lol!

It just seems such a long time, I mean... 2.5 YEARS! Even 18 months is a long time IMO.

What does this mean for those due inspections? I am due my 2nd inspection in Dec. My MIL was due in March, and still nothing. I know a lot of settings in my area who have been due this year and are still yet to be inspected.

My understanding is that we will be inspected again 'within' ....pops up every time!!!....this current cycle which ends 2016 either July or August and Ofsted are prioritising those with RI and inadequate

Exactly my point and many agree with you...while good practice can embed in 2.5 years so can bad practice and by that time a child could have been in a poor setting the whole of its EY journey....it beggars belief but who can argue with Ofsted?

[mum67]

Well I for one can't wait for Sept to be over. I have never had so many changes happen within a month as I have since starting childminding.

I waited for September to get up and running properly due to personal and work related reasons to make a fresh start. New term, new job, new life so to speak.
Everything downloaded and read, printed and put into files, organised for once in my life :D and then right at the end of August (as you all know) change, change, change, update this update that.

Blimey I'm sick to death of my printer. I dread opening my emails to see a dreaded update from Ofsted which I get most days only to be a repeat of the last one most times.

But being new to it I want to stay in touch and updated with everything.

Had a letter about failure of contact for inspection even though I have had and been in contact with prospects. That's another story :angry:

I just want my grading to know if and/or what I am doing right or wrong to move on with my business and concentrate on minding lo's which is what I came into childminding for instead of feeling like a great big grey cloud is constantly hanging over my head because another update may have happened that I might have missed.

Will these people ever stop mucking us around for a minute?


Thanks to Simona and everyone else who keeps us sane with their constant advice and reassurance.:thumbsup:

[Simona]

Well I for one can't wait for Sept to be over. I have never had so many changes happen within a month as I have since starting childminding.

I waited for September to get up and running properly due to personal and work related reasons to make a fresh start. New term, new job, new life so to speak.
Everything downloaded and read, printed and put into files, organised for once in my life :D and then right at the end of August (as you all know) change, change, change, update this update that.

Blimey I'm sick to death of my printer. I dread opening my emails to see a dreaded update from Ofsted which I get most days only to be a repeat of the last one most times.

But being new to it I want to stay in touch and updated with everything.

Had a letter about failure of contact for inspection even though I have had and been in contact with prospects. That's another story :angry:

I just want my grading to know if and/or what I am doing right or wrong to move on with my business and concentrate on minding lo's which is what I came into childminding for instead of feeling like a great big grey cloud is constantly hanging over my head because another update may have happened that I might have missed.

Will these people ever stop mucking us around for a minute?


Thanks to Simona and everyone else who keeps us sane with their constant advice and reassurance.:thumbsup:

Not at the moment Mum67...looks like more changes coming and I cannot believe the EYFS is not to be tweaked again??
for instance 'british values' I would bet a million ££££ will be embedded in there at some stage

Panic not...we are here to share and support each other and save for a new printer!

I just picked up a few tweets from Nick Hudson...he is saying 1st inspections 'within ...not 30 months'...there we go again with that word!
He is also referring to an 'enhanced registration process' so providers do not open unless ready...I asked what is the enhanced process....obviously no reply as yet.

Here he goes:
Nick Hudson ‏@NHudsonOfsted · 19m
@EYTalking important to remember that inspection will be within not at 30 mths. Allows providers to embed practice

Nick Hudson ‏@NHudsonOfsted · 29m
EY post-registration: inspection schedule balanced by enhanced registration process. Continue to ensure providers don’t open unless ready.

On the other hand we could have a change in govt? :clapping:
Back to the Dept for Children, Schools and Families? :cool:
Tristam Hunt becomes Secretary of State for Education...well at least he is good looking :laughing:
and Every Child Matters comes back :jump for joy: :thumbsup:

[mum67]

Oh my gaawwwdddd :laughing::laughing: Simona I never knew of all the changes that happen each time we change government until my DO told me a few months back, doesn't bare thinking about does it?

I could have an arguement here with Nick Hudson as I was registered a few months ago and stated I wouldn't be setting up until September and now am getting panic letters about failure to contact me as the time-scale is up to have my inspection. I was on holiday when they rang and didn't even know they had done so as I don't have an answer machine. But surely the ringing tone would have given a hint I was abroad when they did ring me (mobile). I'm more mad about the letter because I have been in contact with them since early Sept and have sent them copies of my emails back and forth to prove it. The letter arrived on Saturday, spoke to them today and no mention of the new proposals on the phone yet I come on here and you have kindly updated us. I wonder if Nick Hudson has even told his staff of his proposals.

Oh well onward and upward we go to fight another day of inconsistency and red tape :thumbsup:

Thanks Simona your a star:D

[Simona]

Oh my gaawwwdddd :laughing::laughing: Simona I never knew of all the changes that happen each time we change government until my DO told me a few months back, doesn't bare thinking about does it?

I could have an arguement here with Nick Hudson as I was registered a few months ago and stated I wouldn't be setting up until September and now am getting panic letters about failure to contact me as the time-scale is up to have my inspection. I was on holiday when they rang and didn't even know they had done so as I don't have an answer machine. But surely the ringing tone would have given a hint I was abroad when they did ring me (mobile). I'm more mad about the letter because I have been in contact with them since early Sept and have sent them copies of my emails back and forth to prove it. The letter arrived on Saturday, spoke to them today and no mention of the new proposals on the phone yet I come on here and you have kindly updated us. I wonder if Nick Hudson has even told his staff of his proposals.

Oh well onward and upward we go to fight another day of inconsistency and red tape :thumbsup:

Thanks Simona your a star:D

I have heard about this 'failure to contact' in the past....I think it was Flora Dora who got one of those if I remember correctly
I have now put this on my OBC list...I do not understand the letter or the tactics really? not sure we are supposed to be glued to our phones all the time and never go on holiday?

have you contacted them to explain? if so what was the reaction...where they understanding? and would you be able to tell me if it is Prospect or Tribal?...not that it matters I suppose
it would help but you do not have to give details if you don't want to but I will raise it.

[natlou82]

I don't agree at all with the 30 months idea! If you are inspected within 7 months and doing a good job - great, but if improvement is needed it is picked up early, and you can seek guidance and support to improve. Like you said earlier Simona 30 months is a long time to embed bad practice!

[Simona]

I don't agree at all with the 30 months idea! If you are inspected within 7 months and doing a good job - great, but if improvement is needed it is picked up early, and you can seek guidance and support to improve. Like you said earlier Simona 30 months is a long time to embed bad practice!

Natiou82....very few people do...in fact so far only one has said yes in favour of this ridiculous policy

I am surprised that cms are taking this so well...this is a major shift in policy announced via NWorld and totally not in the interest of improving care...it beggars belief we are asked to believe the aim of embedding good practice?

This is Ofsted who have messed up when concentrating on complaint inspections
they have a backlog which is not making things easy so newly registered are now left to their own practice for 2.5 years when we know LAs give little support
This is Ofsted who have tweaked when... in a cycle... we will be inspected (some providers will end up years without an inspection and totally skip EYFS 2012!!!)

this is Ofsted being made to engage at OBC and realise what was happening was wrong...inspectors were not well trained and using individual interpretations
Paid up inspections are now a reality thanks to OBC

Ofsted have been criticised for going against the grade given by an inspector at inspection because QA say so?

this is Ofsted sitting at meeting after meeting and constantly changing information, inspections, regime and so forth causing utter confusion

Since the making of the Directors in Ofsted areas ...cms have suffered discrimination
we are not included in the 'getting good' seminars...despite asking several times no answer comes up...both PLA and Pacey are trying to get clarification on this

Cms are not going to be inspected by an Ofsted inspector because RI in-house inspections is only for the others...this is discrimination
Cms are still facing conditions from LAs when it comes to funding

I personally would say 12 months is ok before 1st inspection...not 30 but then it will be 'within'...so who knows?

What Ofsted appear to forget is that all this is to do with 'children' and Ofsted are accountable

[teacake2]

I was inspected June 2011, can you explain to me what 'cycle' I am in? Just trying to work out when I might get an inspection (silly I know as they just seem to pick people out randomly round here). I am on a two year countdown as to when I am giving up I can't cope with too many more changes my pensioner aged brain is just not up to it.:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
Teacake2

[Simona]

I was inspected June 2011, can you explain to me what 'cycle' I am in? Just trying to work out when I might get an inspection (silly I know as they just seem to pick people out randomly round here). I am on a two year countdown as to when I am giving up I can't cope with too many more changes my pensioner aged brain is just not up to it.:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
Teacake2

Ofsted have said very clearly the current cycle ends 2016...so everyone will be inspected at least once in this cycle
I will try to locate that announcement but it was recent and it has been discussed here before and cms have confirmed this is correct

I understand it that I/RI providers will take priority over good/outstanding ones

I understand what you are saying because the changes are coming thick and fast and we are all getting a bit fed up but not a lot we can do except keep updated and share

[mum67]

I have heard about this 'failure to contact' in the past....I think it was Flora Dora who got one of those if I remember correctly
I have now put this on my OBC list...I do not understand the letter or the tactics really? not sure we are supposed to be glued to our phones all the time and never go on holiday?

have you contacted them to explain? if so what was the reaction...where they understanding? and would you be able to tell me if it is Prospect or Tribal?...not that it matters I suppose
it would help but you do not have to give details if you don't want to but I will raise it.


I will send you a pm Simona about this.

[zanacal]

If he's talking about an enhanced registration process then I guess he's saying the 30 months will apply to childminders registered in future, not those of us already registered without this enhanced process?!

[Simona]

If he's talking about an enhanced registration process then I guess he's saying the 30 months will apply to childminders registered in future, not those of us already registered without this enhanced process?!

Hudson was involved in a few tweets and mentioned this enhanced process...I asked him but got no reply and asked again if the question was wrong? ...no reply...so no one knows what he is going on about...#EYtalking was involved in the tweets too

I am in no doubt there is something to do with cms there when they register but not worth speculating...if I hear more I will come back
I have added this enhanced process to my OBC list which is now out of control....soooooo long :thumbsup:

[shortstuff]

Ive just been talking the 30 month scenario over with a mum who is going down the cm route.

We have arrived at the conclusion that instead of saying we dont like 30 months we should say what we would like. As far as we could see the change is all about saving them money and also to help them with the backlog they have created for themselves.

My thoughts are that our 1st graded should be 6 months after we sign our 1st mindees. So have our pre reg and agree that we will notify ofsted when we get our 1st children on our books. This phone call should then start the 6 month clock for our 1st graded.

That way we will have enough evidence and experience to be graded and it will alleviate some of the pressure on them to inspect us so quickly.

[mum67]

Ive just been talking the 30 month scenario over with a mum who is going down the cm route.

We have arrived at the conclusion that instead of saying we dont like 30 months we should say what we would like. As far as we could see the change is all about saving them money and also to help them with the backlog they have created for themselves.

My thoughts are that our 1st graded should be 6 months after we sign our 1st mindees. So have our pre reg and agree that we will notify ofsted when we get our 1st children on our books. This phone call should then start the 6 month clock for our 1st graded.

That way we will have enough evidence and experience to be graded and it will alleviate some of the pressure on them to inspect us so quickly.

Yes shortstuff what a brilliant idea. That makes so much more sense doesn't it?:thumbsup:

[shortstuff]

Yes shortstuff what a brilliant idea. That makes so much more sense doesn't it?:thumbsup:

I think so?

How many times have we asked for an idea of how to fix something rather than a complaint? I just think it makes sense all the way round.

[Simona]

I think so?

How many times have we asked for an idea of how to fix something rather than a complaint? I just think it makes sense all the way round.

If only Ofsted had asked our opinion I am sure some good suggestions would have come out like yours and the parent
That's what I thought OBC was about: engagement, listening and finding the best solutions?...naïve I know!

[shortstuff]

I agree Simona, it is madness.

But I think maybe we should be the ones now to suggest a way forward. We are the ones who are unhappy and instead of just giving negative comments we should offer constructive feedback. Offering solutions which would suit our way of working.

[mama2three]

It makes perfect sense , but It wouldnt solve Ofsteds problem.
They are simply so far behind that they are buying themselves 2 years or more in which they only need to do RI or complaint inspections , and hoping they will have then closed the backlog somewhat whilst still being 'on target' !!

In the meantime providers who have no guidance , no LAs for many , no 6 month inspection to help guide them , ...will feel forced into agencies ..everyones happy ( well ofsted are government are and that's really all they care about..not children , cms or even families!)

[mum67]

Umm mama2three you could be onto something there.

My DO told me there's no agency setting up in Manchester that she knows about but your point could be a pathway to them arriving soon. I think the governments next step will be to infuse a little money into helping them get off the ground.

Everything that is happening seems to lead back to us mentioning agencies, method in the government and Ofsted's madness maybe.

shortstuff you are right again instead of putting our negative points across we should become more constructive and pro active like Simona and stand up and be counted. We moan yet we do nothing positive about it.

I wonder if we could have a childminders union or a big meet up somewhere to voice our opinions and be heard for once.

We never have any LA meetings here in Manchester to keep up to date even though ours is still working with us. Most of my updates are from Simona and the odd email from Ofsted which is usually a repeat of the last one they sent me.

It is mad really because years ago when I was in childminding there was no Ofsted and no EYFS to follow and we all got on fine in our jobs and daily lives and now I'm back into it all I see is chaos and mayhem and one doesn't know what the other one is doing between DFE, Ofsted and the Government! Crraaazzyy

[Simona]

I know I keep referring to OBC but it has been worth setting up and the results have been fairly positive
All meetings up and down the country have been engaging and Ofsted have had to listen to their own shortcomings...so much has been tweaked because of that

I have attended the meetings and will continue to do so... people are positive while giving the inspectorate issues to chew on

We do have our moan here and elsewhere but we must be aware that cms are bearing the brunt of many changes and constant sweeping statements from HMCI
We must also not forget that cms have responded to many consultations and were upset no one listened...they all feel like a 'done deal'

Unfortunately we cannot ...as self employed ...have a Union, I would be the first to join if there was one but unions are aware of our troubles I assure you ...our associations are the ones representing us but they need feedback ...negative or positive

At the moment agencies are behind the scenes all the time and in our thoughts but 2 main issues remain: cms excluded from the 'getting good' seminars and RI in house inspections do not include cms...I keep asking Why? and the first person I asked was Hudson months ago when he co-hosted #EYTalking...his comments are on record on the session feed for that evening

Those on twitter will know that PLA is looking into this
Mama2three is right and I agree this is just an exercise to buy time but ...in my view...a very dodgy one.

[zanacal]

Did I read a post recently (maybe from you Simona?) that Ofsted were considering the cost of their inspections? I'm so frustrated by the news that new childminders won't be inspected for 30 months as I've been working hard in the lead up to my first grading in the hope of getting a half decent report and attracting new business! Am I able to request (and pay!) for an earlier inspection? I doubt it would be viable on my income so I'm going round in circles really!

[Simona]

Did I read a post recently (maybe from you Simona?) that Ofsted were considering the cost of their inspections? I'm so frustrated by the news that new childminders won't be inspected for 30 months as I've been working hard in the lead up to my first grading in the hope of getting a half decent report and attracting new business! Am I able to request (and pay!) for an earlier inspection? I doubt it would be viable on my income so I'm going round in circles really!

Providers can ask to be 're-inspected' if they can prove they have improved practice since their recent last inspection....this is apparently already legal but I need to look into it a bit more and be informed.

Ofsted have to decide on how much a re-inspection would cost both for providers and CMs...no sum has been announced.

There is a discussion on NWorld LinkedIn page but I do understand cms may not be there to read it.

With regards to the 1st inspection within 30 months...yes it was announced recently by Nick Hudson in NWorld but there has been no other announcement although plenty of concerns raised. at this sudden decision to allow providers 'to embed practice' in 2.5 years.

You are right to say you want it done quick and get graded...this may also help you to draw funding although LAs may allow you to do that
We will need to keep our ears open as to what each LA will decide
My association is looking into this and have promised feedback

I also hope to pick up info at the OBC London meeting this afternoon

I hope this helps ...we are all rather taken aback by recent changes and hope for further clarification

[mum67]

Zanacal not sure which LA you are under but we can be registered for funding as long as we have EY Quality Assurance team working with us, it's a short process that takes them forever to get around to doing for you but at least you don't have to wait for inspection.
I come under Manchester Local Authority.
It is frustrating waiting for first inspection as you just want to know you are on the right track so that you can get on with looking after children and providing them with a happy environment and the best care while they are with you and building your business up to a reputable one.:)

[Simona]

Ofsted will consult on paid for inspection before the end of the year ...this has just been announced and was published in a NWorld article last week

[zanacal]

Thanks both. I'm in Dorset and the LA will approve funding prior to first inspection. I wanted to get it over with and to move forward really and to hopefully get a half decent outcome for potential clients to read, otherwise I'm an unknown entity to people who don't already know me!

[mum67]

Zanacal that's exactly how I feel want it over and done with to move on and build my business.

Good luck with everything (eventually) though.:)

[childminder54]

My understanding is that we will be inspected again 'within' ....pops up every time!!!....this current cycle which ends 2016 either July or August and Ofsted are prioritising those with RI and inadequate

Exactly my point and many agree with you...while good practice can embed in 2.5 years so can bad practice and by that time a child could have been in a poor setting the whole of its EY journey....it beggars belief but who can argue with Ofsted?

Hi Simona

The current cycle which ends 2016 July or August when did it start.

[Simona]

Hi Simona

The current cycle which ends 2016 July or August when did it start.

Good question...but one only Ofsted can answer as they make the announcements and decisions...there has been a lot on the cycle of inspection that Ofsted have written and published recently...so it is well documented

Kat 27 is asking about the current cycle of inspections in another thread
The best way to find out is to ring Ofsted or contact the Ofsted Area Director to get info straight from them

Zanacal and mum67....the new 30 month 1st inspection change by Ofsted was discussed at the OBC this week
The issue is on the agenda as all are concerned and we will hear more very soon....keep your ears open as info will come out.

Some LAs already allow cms to draw funding if awaiting 1st inspection but that is because it was 7 months...not 30...so

I think we may have to wait and see what the LAs reaction on this is as they have to place their 2 year olds in G/Out settings and.... RI under certain conditions.... but no one knows about those who will not be inspected for 30 months.

All we can do is wait and see what happens in the near future

[childminder54]

As I was inspected in feb 2013 will I get another in this cycle 2016

[childminder54]

As I was inspected in feb 2013 and got good for the last 2 inspections will I be inspected in this cycle.

[sarah707]

Any of us could be inspected at any time ... it is good practice to stay on top of things and not let them get too far behind x

[Simona]

As I was inspected in feb 2013 and got good for the last 2 inspections will I be inspected in this cycle.

If your inspection was in 2013 why would you have another one when many providers have been waiting for more than 3, 4 or 5 years for their re-inspection?
No one knows but if Ofsted received a complaint against you of a safeguarding nature then yes you would be re-inspected...I think all their publications point to that and that is my interpretation of it.
how do you interpret it?

Sarah 707...that is true.... any provider can be inspected anytime and cms should stay prepared at all times to keep updated and ready for when that call comes ...not just for Ofsted but also because many LAs do carry out checks and recommend all is in order at all times

The question here was about the 'cycle' of inspections not how ready or behind we are?
no one knows for certain the exact time we will be re-inspected although there is plenty to read on the subject