Update from DCSF about leaving Assistants outside the house

[Chatterbox Childcare]

Well I got a very quick answer and yes we can do it. This was the reply from the DCSF and a very quick one at that:

Dear Debbie

We spoke today about the contradictions in the Ofsted guidance on childminders and the advice that they gave you not to let your assistant into the house in your absence. I have now spoken to Ofsted and they realise that when they amended their guidance to reflect the change to the regulations at the beginning of September they overlooked the amendments to the Q&A section, so I am really glad that you spotted this. They will amend the guidance and they will be in touch to reassure you that, provided you have parents’ permission and the Ofsted go-ahead for the use of your assistant, you *can leave older children as well as under 5s with your assistant for short periods when you are not on the premises yourself.

I have passed your details to Ofsted and they should be in touch in the next few days. Do contact me again if this doesn’t happen – my direct line is shown below

Once again, many thanks for raising this with me

Best wishes

Sally Pickles
Inspection and Regulation Team Leader
Quality and Standards Division

[flora]

Well done Debbie :clapping: :clapping:

A hooray for commmon sense :thumbsup:

[Twinkles]

Thanks for that Debbie :clapping:

[Alibali]

Well done Debbie:clapping: :clapping:

[tashaleee]

Finally they agree!!!!!!!!!! :laughing: :laughing:

Thanks Debbie :clapping: :thumbsup:

[sarah707]

Seems common sense has prevailed! :D