Hi there

I am new to this site and hope I have posted this in the right place.

I am in the process of completeing the forms to register with ofsted and I am really worried.

I suffer from fibromyalgia and have had depression in the past. I am on medication and sometimes if the pain is bad I use a walking aid. I care for my 2 year old full time and also have 2 older daughters.

I am worried that ofsted may reject my application because of my illness.

What should I do as I have completed the CYPOP5, safeguarding, EYFS and paediatric first aid course and worried I might have just thrown good money down the drain.

Please help!!!

Your application cannot be rejected out of hand simply because you have a medical condition or disability. This is covered by the Equality Act and, since Ofsted are a public body, the European Human Rights laws. Ofsted have to consider your medical declaration, how you deal with your conditions, and what the overall effect would be when caring for children. They use the information to decide whether or not to register you and, if registered, whether to impose any restrictions (eg. they might say a CM may not have under-1's if they have evidence that the CM could not safely lift a baby.)

Plenty of CMs have some sort of condition and are permitted to work with children. You should have a chat with your GP before s/he fills in your medical declaration. Unless it has changed, the medical form gives the doctor space to say if a particular condition would make you unsuitable. Many doctors will allow you to see the form before it is sent to Ofsted, so you know what they have written. Also be ready to be absolutely honest and up front with the pre-reg inspector.

I have 4 seperate medical conditions which could potentially affect my ability to look after children. But Ofsted were (and are) perfectly happy for me to be registered because I am able to show that I manage my medical conditions in such a way as to present no problem with regard to the lo's welfare.

Don't worry - just be totally honest and have your answers ready in case they ask how things affect your work. All the best. :)

Excellent reply from Bunyip!

Ofsted look at every case on its own merits - they will invite you to meet with their specialist doctors who make a judgement based on how safe they feel you are to work with children.

We are here to support you if you need us xx

Hi

Thank you so much for your advice and support.

I feel so much better now. I am going to see my gp, he has been very supportive and has said all along that becoming a childminder would be a great thing for me.

My condition has no impact on me caring for my own children, or looking after my friend's children.

It is usually in the evening when I suffer the most because I will have sat down after running around all day.

Thank you again.

xx

I was worried about this too-I have rheumatoid arthritis and was honest about the fact that I have days when I just can't get down onto the floor,kneel or lift heavier children.

I explained how I would cope on days like this and ofsted were fine with that...good luck:thumbsup: