shortstuff
09-05-2013, 01:31 PM
Well where to begin. I have written a little about how upset I got yesterday at my grading inspection but here's for the fuller story.

I had three little ones here, 32 months, 23 months and 14 months. When she arrived the 14 month old was in the cot upstairs asleep, with the listener on.

As she was late arriving she missed us making play dough, which was so much messy fun it was great. All three got stuck right in. Even the older two who don't like getting dirty. Little one was getting incredibly sleepy by this point so I put her up to bed.

On arrival Mrs O introduced herself and proceeded to tell me that as it is my first grading the best I could hope for would be satisfactory. She then told me all of the official things she needed to and cracked on with criticising me and my methods.

I got what felt like a very negative grilling. She doesn't like the software system I use to keep the parents updated. She also doesn't like that all of my P and P's are stored on there and electronicly signed. Apparently she wanted to see each document signed individually. Also every CM that she has inspected, who uses the system, can magically never find the information she wants to see so doesn't like it.

In the end I phoned the help desk for the software company to ask if I could show her them all signed individually. He started quoting the EYFS which was great. Apparently they don't need individual signatures. The parents just need to acknowledge them, so by signing them all with an encompassing statement like on the system is covering the requirement. She then referred to her books and called a colleague for confirmation.

The colleague must have agreed with my method because that was the last I heard of it until the end. She stated that I should have my permissions for emergency medical treatment on paper as a doctor would want to see it if I needed to take a little one to hospital. Also that as all people flap in a medical emergency I should have them on paper as I would be in too much of a state to find them using my log in to the system when I really needed them. Well tell me if I'm wrong but do doctors really want to see a piece of paper before they complete any urgent medical treatment? In my experience they will carry out what is required and let someone else worry about the other stuff. Also I don't know about any of you guys but I don't flap in an emergency. I just crumble afterwards. Had a few emergencies to deal with over the years so I know how I cope.

Next was about why I planned the activity I did that day. Well my response was that the older two don't like being dirty so want to help them along with that. Also as the younger one is only in her third week here I am still getting to know her and don't know how she reacts to things like getting messy. Apparently that means that i haven't included the youngest one in my planning.

Well she looked around my house and was happy that I don't leave little ones alone upstairs as I don't have stair gates up on my stairs. The only mindees that go upstairs are ones that sleep in cots and they get carried both up and down the stairs and are never allowed to walk around up there.

I finally got something positive said to me when I told her that I have always preferred to say positive things to the little ones to boost confidence that to correct behaviour later. All of the little ones that come here have praise lavished on them. She just said 'yes Ive already noted that'.

In her summing up she said she could see how much fun the little ones have here and how good a bond I have with them. Next it was that she had to make some recommendations for me. So what could we come up with? I basically wrote my own for her. She then told me I had achieved a satisfactory but a high one. She didnt actually give me anything to work on, except the things I plan on doing already.

Well after I got over the initial shock and had a brisk walk to collect DS and to after schoolies I got my head together enough to ring ofsted. They told me that the official line is 'it is highly unlikely you will get an outstanding on a first grading inspection but not impossible'.

I have slept on it and still feel as angry, so I think that I will wait to receive the written report and then make a judgement on whether to appeal the decision or make a complaint, or both.

hectors house
09-05-2013, 03:37 PM
I'm still shaking my head in disbelief - how dare this woman make her mind up that you were only going to get satisfactory, before she even crossed the doorstep. I know they don't like giving outstanding on a first inspection, but on the forum it has happened - but what about a "Good" - couldn't she have given you a "low" good instead of a "high" satisfactory - the low and high don't appear on your inspection report - god she sounds a bully.:angry: I would put a letter of complaint about the attitude of this inspector before you get your report.

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 03:43 PM
I'm still shaking my head in disbelief - how dare this woman make her mind up that you were only going to get satisfactory, before she even crossed the doorstep. I know they don't like giving outstanding on a first inspection, but on the forum it has happened - but what about a "Good" - couldn't she have given you a "low" good instead of a "high" satisfactory - the low and high don't appear on your inspection report - god she sounds a bully.:angry: I would put a letter of complaint about the attitude of this inspector before you get your report.

Trust me, I'm very tempted. Will think on it over the weekend and see how i feel. I was lucky that one of my assistants was here for the duration so I will have a good chat to her about it too. Just to make sure I wasn't taking it the wrong way. She had me so angry that I want to be sure im not over reacting.

lisbet
09-05-2013, 03:46 PM
I agree with Hector's House - I'd complain now. Sounds like she kept disregarding the evidence of good practice you were giving her! :panic:

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 04:02 PM
I agree with Hector's House - I'd complain now. Sounds like she kept disregarding the evidence of good practice you were giving her! :panic:

Thanks lisbet x

christine e
09-05-2013, 04:06 PM
There are times when I wish we could just go back to the old times when we were inspected and deemed fit to childmind without being given a grade. I think the system is very much down to the individual inspector and it is really unfair on some childminders. I am not saying this because of sour grapes I was graded outstanding on my last 2 inspections but another day another inspector and who knows what I would have got.

~Grasshopper~
09-05-2013, 04:10 PM
that sounds like my inspection. my inspector said the same and made me actually cry, he was hideous and scared the children they sat on my knee crying for 2 hours. i was so upset but tbh 2yrs later i dont really care xxxxx

Twinkling Stars
09-05-2013, 04:11 PM
This sounds unfair. I was given a 'good' on my first inspection. x

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 04:16 PM
This sounds unfair. I was given a 'good' on my first inspection. x

Im really pleased for you, at least there are some realistic inspectors out there :clapping::clapping:

Just read that back to myself and realised it could be read as sarcastic, please don't take it that way x

FussyElmo
09-05-2013, 04:23 PM
Oh honey Im sorry. I get to a point that all inspectors are different just like every cm is. But they should be singing from the same songbook on the basics.

I have heard about not including the baby in the planning a few times now.

Becci26
09-05-2013, 04:25 PM
I agree with Hector's House - I'd complain now. Sounds like she kept disregarding the evidence of good practice you were giving her! :panic:

Agreed!

I keep hearing of people being told they will only get satisfactory, absolutely ridiculous!

Wheelybug
09-05-2013, 04:39 PM
I got outstanding on my first inspection and know another childminder who also did. Totally agree with the others though, that a different inspector on a different day probably would have graded me differently. I know a childminding friend who had an inspection a couple of weeks ago and they are devastated by the grade they have been given and plan to appeal.

Cathy x.

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 04:41 PM
Oh honey Im sorry. I get to a point that all inspectors are different just like every cm is. But they should be singing from the same songbook on the basics.

I have heard about not including the baby in the planning a few times now.

Thing is Fussy shoe couldn't tell me what she wanted me to do to include the baby.

The funny part is the baby got the most out of it and loved every second of the activity. All of the parents loved the pictures they got too. Just wish I had taken a photo of them.

MessybutHappy
09-05-2013, 04:43 PM
From what you've said even she can't justify satisfactory. If you were really satisfactory and not good, she'd have easily been able to id some improvement areas herself? I'd get my complaint in early, it will have more credence not to come off the back of your report...if you wait for the report it is easily seen as sour grapes, whereas now you are contesting her opening statement, you can then add to the complaint with specifics about what she writes. Besides, she may be QA'd and told to give you the grade you deserve!!

More hugs!!!

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 04:45 PM
the funny thing is two of my parents are teachers and they are absolutely behind me complaining and trying to get the grade over turned. They are even happy to write letters on my behalf.

The parents I have now are brilliant. The evidence is in their children too, they are brill too x.

In every respect other than the inspector and the family i gave marching orders to last week (which are still hanging around like a bad smell) I have a very happy and contented setting.

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 04:46 PM
From what you've said even she can't justify satisfactory. If you were really satisfactory and not good, she'd have easily been able to id some improvement areas herself? I'd get my complaint in early, it will have more credence not to come off the back of your report...if you wait for the report it is easily seen as sour grapes, whereas now you are contesting her opening statement, you can then add to the complaint with specifics about what she writes. Besides, she may be QA'd and told to give you the grade you deserve!!

More hugs!!!

That makes a lot of sense Messy, thanks. Think I need wibbles balls n just get on with it lol

FussyElmo
09-05-2013, 04:47 PM
Thing is Fussy shoe couldn't tell me what she wanted me to do to include the baby.

The funny part is the baby got the most out of it and loved every second of the activity. All of the parents loved the pictures they got too. Just wish I had taken a photo of them.

No they can criticise but cant tell you how to improve :panic:

Just remember your parents are happy with you and that's worth a million Ofsted rating.

But appealing is always an option :thumbsup:

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 04:55 PM
No they can criticise but cant tell you how to improve :panic:

Just remember your parents are happy with you and that's worth a million Ofsted rating.

But appealing is always an option :thumbsup:

Thing is Fussy she told me I hadn't included the baby and I asked what would she like to see for me to evidence it as I felt i had included her. She just repeated herself. It was as though I was the first cm she had ever inspected and I was a guinea pig. She was on the phone three times about the policies being signed too. Almost as though she needed to hear three times that the way I was doing it was acceptable.

rosebud
09-05-2013, 05:04 PM
There are times when I wish we could just go back to the old times when we were inspected and deemed fit to childmind without being given a grade. I think the system is very much down to the individual inspector and it is really unfair on some childminders. I am not saying this because of sour grapes I was graded outstanding on my last 2 inspections but another day another inspector and who knows what I would have got.

Absolutely agree with this. I got outstanding at my last inspection and it was totally unexpected and now more and more I think I just got lucky in that the inspector had the same views as me about what childminding should be. I don't do much different to most of the other childminders I know. If its any consolation parents very rarely ask what your Ofsted grading is and will make a decision based on their gut feeling when they meet you and look around your home.

By the way I don't have any of my policies signed by parents - they receive a copy of the most important ones and I expect that they will read them, if they don't then that's up to them.

Rick
09-05-2013, 05:04 PM
I feel for you Gail :group hug:
I simply don't understand why some inspectors come in and say you can't get more than satisfactory on your first inspection. If you have gained sufficient evidence and your practice is good then it should be awarded good; if it is outstanding then it should be awarded outstanding. So what if it's your first inspection!
I hope you get the grade you deserve if you choose to appeal :thumbsup:

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 05:09 PM
I feel for you Gail :group hug:
I simply don't understand why some inspectors come in and say you can't get more than satisfactory on your first inspection. If you have gained sufficient evidence and your practice is good then it should be awarded good; if it is outstanding then it should be awarded outstanding. So what if it's your first inspection!
I hope you get the grade you deserve if you choose to appeal :thumbsup:

Thanks Rick, I will be contacting ofsted again, whether its to complain or appeal, or both. Just need to sleep on it over the weekend to make a better judgement call on which way to go. Oh and also hear the feedback form you wonderful people to help guide me :D

MessybutHappy
09-05-2013, 05:15 PM
I think this may be one of those situations where how you feel has great bearing and it's irrelevant whether you've over reacted or not. Fact is she made you feel (rude word), & that's not on. I too would sleep on it over the weekend, but only because the end letter of complaint is likely to be more measured and proffesional!

Rick
09-05-2013, 05:16 PM
BTW I've just noticed your grading status says 'a joke'. Good to see you've not lost your sense of humour!

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 05:18 PM
BTW I've just noticed your grading status says 'a joke'. Good to see you've not lost your sense of humour!

The LO's ive had here today have helped me to find it again :D

I think they have sensed my mood as they were all really cuddley today lol

Boris
09-05-2013, 05:24 PM
I know 2 CM's who got outstanding on a first inspection. One was only a few months ago. They don't like giving out good or outstanding for first inspections because they have to do extra paperwork to justify it to their bosses apparently. It's so unfair when the inspector goes in with such a closed mind. I don't know why they can't reserve judgement until they have seen what you can do. What was your inspectors name? I hope I don't get her. Hope you get what you deserve.

Daftbat
09-05-2013, 05:28 PM
I had an inspection a few years ago now when I was given a recommendation which was to expand the dressing up clothes available - Hmmmmmm! Funny how that was the only thing that I had said TO HER that I was wanting to do in the near future anyway. Surely this sort of thing should be thought of as reflective practice and be a good thing rather than waiting for someone else to pick me up on it.

I really feel for you and as has been said I would make a complaint to Ofsted about your inspection. email them so they have it in writing. I have heard lots of times about this idea that satisfactory is the only grade you are likely to get in the beginning. Funny when its been in the news that "satisfactory" is apparently NOT satisfactory...... my head is swimming at the moment with all the things I hear and read about childminding. Whatever happened to letting us get on with the job and keep the children happy rather than making us swivel on our heads with the amount of information we are supposed to keep abreast of.

If it wasn't for the fact that the kids are great that I look after I would seriously think of leaving the profession.

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 05:33 PM
I know 2 CM's who got outstanding on a first inspection. One was only a few months ago. They don't like giving out good or outstanding for first inspections because they have to do extra paperwork to justify it to their bosses apparently. It's so unfair when the inspector goes in with such a closed mind. I don't know why they can't reserve judgement until they have seen what you can do. What was your inspectors name? I hope I don't get her. Hope you get what you deserve.

Are you in the same area then? To be honest I cant remember her name. I was just so angry. I am chilling out more and more.

Just been told that the only mindee i have after collecting DS from school will be going home an hour early tomorrow so weekend starts early for me. All in a week where i need it x

sarah707
09-05-2013, 05:35 PM
I really feel for you. It is totally unacceptable for an inspector to decide your grade before arriving on your premises.

You are on a sticky wicket with policies though - the requirements are that safeguarding and complaints procedures are given to parents in writing. You can talk all you want about having them available and signed online but if they are not handed to parents in writing and the inspector decides to pick you up on it you don't have must redress I'm afraid.

Apart from that I feel based on what you have said in your post that you have a good case for complaint because the inspector did not abide by their own code of conduct.

My advice is always to contact Ofsted sooner rather than later and say 'I am going to complain who do I need to speak to?' and get the complaint started.

Don't wait - let them know as soon as possible - and you stand more chance of changes being made before your report goes to print.

Hugs xx

christine e
09-05-2013, 05:38 PM
BTW I've just noticed your grading status says 'a joke'. Good to see you've not lost your sense of humour!

Yes I have just noticed that too - chin up, chest out and be proud of yourself - from your posts on here I detect that you are a really good childminder - don't let the ******** get you down!

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 05:38 PM
I really feel for you. It is totally unacceptable for an inspector to decide your grade before arriving on your premises.

You are on a sticky wicket with policies though - the requirements are that safeguarding and complaints procedures are given to parents in writing. You can talk all you want about having them available and signed online but if they are not handed to parents in writing and the inspector decides to pick you up on it you don't have must redress I'm afraid.

Apart from that I feel based on what you have said in your post that you have a good case for complaint because the inspector did not abide by their own code of conduct.

My advice is always to contact Ofsted sooner rather than later and say 'I am going to complain who do I need to speak to?' and get the complaint started.

Don't wait - let them know as soon as possible - and you stand more chance of changes being made before your report goes to print.

Hugs xx

Thanks Sarah, she did mention that but my argument is just because it is typed that still counts as written. It states written not on paper. She seemed to accept that too. I take it as written means in readable in words and not verbal, so I argued the case with her.

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 05:40 PM
Yes I have just noticed that too - chin up, chest out and be proud of yourself - from your posts on here I detect that you are a really good childminder - don't let the ******** get you down!

Thanks Christine, maybe i caught her when she was in a bad mood, but i sense she is probably the same with all first time cm gradings if not all cm's.

Mrs Scrubbit
09-05-2013, 05:58 PM
I'm utterly speechless after hearing about the way you have been treated during your inspection. Definately get a strong draft copy of complaint ready so that it may only need tweaking after you have read your report as you only get a small window of time to submit one. I am overdue mine and as I live in the same town as you I'm really hoping that I don't get her, after all my years doing this job I still dread these inspections, I thought my last one was the toughest I had ever had -now I'm not too sure-lots of hugs to you Gail xx

winstonian
09-05-2013, 07:42 PM
:( What a let down after all your hard work. Have you had chance to chat with your assistant yet? Hope it all works out for you xx

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 07:47 PM
:( What a let down after all your hard work. Have you had chance to chat with your assistant yet? Hope it all works out for you xx

I havent had a chance to chat with her yet, i was too stressed on weds before she went home. She might be round here for drinks sat eve or she will be working alongside me on monday so not too long to wait.

phoenix2010
09-05-2013, 07:49 PM
This sounds so awful and completely unfair

I would not wait until you get the written report

you already know that you will get satisfactory

I would write and complain to OFSTED about her statement to you about only be able to get a satisfactory , that is entirely untrue

Rick
09-05-2013, 08:02 PM
This sounds so awful and completely unfair

I would not wait until you get the written report

you already know that you will get satisfactory

I would write and complain to OFSTED about her statement to you about only be able to get a satisfactory , that is entirely untrue

Yes I think a statement like that is so demoralising. It's saying, it doesn't matter how hard you work, how much evidence you show me, how good you are with the children, you cannot be graded higher than the minimum. You could put your heart and soul into the job and get the same grading as someone who 'just does enough'. :angry:

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 08:10 PM
Yes I think a statement like that is so demoralising. It's saying, it doesn't matter how hard you work, how much evidence you show me, how good you are with the children, you cannot be graded higher than the minimum. You could put your heart and soul into the job and get the same grading as someone who 'just does enough'. :angry:

That is how I was made to feel in fairness.its just gutting really. I know my existing parents arent bothered and are being great but what about future parents as the ones I have now will grow up and not need me so I will ultimately need to fill their places before the next inspection.

lubeam
09-05-2013, 08:30 PM
That is how I was made to feel in fairness.its just gutting really. I know my existing parents arent bothered and are being great but what about future parents as the ones I have now will grow up and not need me so I will ultimately need to fill their places before the next inspection.

Oh Gail :( this is so true it's ok now coz parents can see how fab you are but what about your future?! The inspectors need to remember its our lives and living that they decide with out giving us a chance !!! Defiantly see if you can get a better grading you sound like you need it , last day tomorro and an early finish means you can crack open the wine and chill , hope your not too down hearted , it's a real kick in the teeth isn't it ?! hugs :)

shortstuff
09-05-2013, 08:37 PM
Oh Gail :( this is so true it's ok now coz parents can see how fab you are but what about your future?! The inspectors need to remember its our lives and living that they decide with out giving us a chance !!! Defiantly see if you can get a better grading you sound like you need it , last day tomorro and an early finish means you can crack open the wine and chill , hope your not too down hearted , it's a real kick in the teeth isn't it ?! hugs :)

It is but I had a vodka when I got in from college last night to take the edge off and Im having a bottle of cider now. Also one of my mindees looked at me and told me she loves me and didn't want to go home with daddy today. while another one clung on to me and cried at go home time. All good in my heart, just need my head to fall in line now x

lubeam
09-05-2013, 08:45 PM
Glad your feeling a bit better :) still try n get the decision changed just because its not fair to b per judged :) x

VeggieSausage
09-05-2013, 08:50 PM
Appeal and complain.....I didn't about the wording on my first inspection and regret it...

Rick
09-05-2013, 08:57 PM
That is how I was made to feel in fairness.its just gutting really. I know my existing parents arent bothered and are being great but what about future parents as the ones I have now will grow up and not need me so I will ultimately need to fill their places before the next inspection.

Future parents will not be concerned with grading and will probably not even think about asking. They will be more concerned that you are right for their children and showing them the glowing references your existing parents will write for you stand you in good stead.

Supernanny86
09-05-2013, 09:30 PM
Future parents will not be concerned with grading and will probably not even think about asking. They will be more concerned that you are right for their children and showing them the glowing references your existing parents will write for you stand you in good stead.

Rick_Knight is right!! My families have always wanted me because of my references!! Not many care about what's written on pieces of paper that are just formalities!! So don't worry!! Word of mouth is far better advert for your business than your grading!! I'm not even checked and I've always got work!! (Actually the family I'm with now didn't even know or understand about ofsted, they were more delighted with the rapport their kids had with me!!)

Honestly you'll be fine! :D xx

Rick
10-05-2013, 05:55 AM
Rick_Knight is right!! My families have always wanted me because of my references!! Not many care about what's written on pieces of paper that are just formalities!! So don't worry!! Word of mouth is far better advert for your business than your grading!! I'm not even checked and I've always got work!! (Actually the family I'm with now didn't even know or understand about ofsted, they were more delighted with the rapport their kids had with me!!)

Honestly you'll be fine! :D xx

I'm always right ;) :laughing:

Yes that's the other good point. A lot of parents don't fully understand what Ofsted are about. They don't all know about the EYFS, one parent wrote in my feedback form that I shouldn't be doing so much paperwork! It's how you are with the children that counts!

Ripeberry
10-05-2013, 06:09 AM
As long as the children are happy, the parents are happy. You are doing all the paperwork correctly. Then who gives two hoots what Ofsted think of you? As people have said before, some inspectors make up their mind before they even step over the threshold, except that most of them have the good manners to keep it to themselves.
I would say that your inspector was the bullying type. Making you doubt yourself from the outset. I would complain and get a re-inspection with someone with manners! :mad:

FussyElmo
10-05-2013, 06:45 AM
Your grade wont stop parents coming to you. In my opinion they sign because they like and have clicked with you. Apart from the ones who choose cheaper and they really dont care.

Dont you dare go worrying about in a few years time. What matters is now.

kats
10-05-2013, 06:49 AM
I was of the understanding that we dont need anything signed for emergency medical treatment, am i wrong??

Supernanny86
10-05-2013, 06:56 AM
I'm always right ;) :laughing:

Yes that's the other good point. A lot of parents don't fully understand what Ofsted are about. They don't all know about the EYFS, one parent wrote in my feedback form that I shouldn't be doing so much paperwork! It's how you are with the children that counts!

Haha!! Exactly!! Right again!! :D

phoenix2010
10-05-2013, 07:01 AM
Your grade is the opinion of one person who clearly isnt doing her job properly, you will feel better if you take action and complain about her , you probably wont be the last person to , as Im hearing this happening more often

As for parents and whether they would choose you , of course they will , I doubt if any of my parents even know my grade and and Im not sure any of them have even read my report , even though I provide a link to the website on first contact

Dont let this knock your confidence , you might find that , like me the longer you do it for, the less important OFSTEDs opinion of you is
its the families that count :D

shortstuff
10-05-2013, 07:12 AM
you guys are great thanks. I will type something up later today.

Just had another flashback while getting a mindee breakfast. She even wanted to know if I prepare food for the mindees, which in itself I expected her to ask. But she took it a step further and started asking if I charge for it, didn't think they were interested in things like charges?

christine e
10-05-2013, 07:16 AM
you guys are great thanks. I will type something up later today.

Just had another flashback while getting a mindee breakfast. She even wanted to know if I prepare food for the mindees, which in itself I expected her to ask. But she took it a step further and started asking if I charge for it, didn't think they were interested in things like charges?

how odd:confused:

wendywu
10-05-2013, 07:22 AM
Another thing when you complain state that you will never allow that inspector back into your home.

I did this many years ago when i complained, at least you can rest assured that you will never have to sit and listen to her rant on again.

The inspector i am talking about had so many complaints and was barred from so many homes that they moved her working area in the end.:thumbsup:

catlyn
10-05-2013, 07:25 AM
sorry to hear aboutthe way you were treated Gail...i agree with the majority on here if you get a satisfactory then you need to appeal......I was given good on my first inspection as was another minder in my area who had only been minding a few months when inspected....incidentally we were at a meeting last week where we were told gradings are changing soon and satisfactory will be replaced with "requires improvement" and we were also told if you get 2 in a row then you may lose your registration????? has anyone else been told this? .....either way its seems that you should make every attempt to overturn her stupid decision ....good luck x x x x

catlyn
10-05-2013, 07:27 AM
I really feel for you. It is totally unacceptable for an inspector to decide your grade before arriving on your premises.

You are on a sticky wicket with policies though - the requirements are that safeguarding and complaints procedures are given to parents in writing. You can talk all you want about having them available and signed online but if they are not handed to parents in writing and the inspector decides to pick you up on it you don't have must redress I'm afraid.Apart from that I feel based on what you have said in your post that you have a good case for complaint because the inspector did not abide by their own code of conduct.

My advice is always to contact Ofsted sooner rather than later and say 'I am going to complain who do I need to speak to?' and get the complaint started.

Don't wait - let them know as soon as possible - and you stand more chance of changes being made before your report goes to print.

Hugs xx

Sarah,......mine are on a CD and parents sign to say they have recieved a copy...will this satisfy Ofsted requirements?? xx

wendywu
10-05-2013, 07:32 AM
sorry to hear aboutthe way you were treated Gail...i agree with the majority on here if you get a satisfactory then you need to appeal......I was given good on my first inspection as was another minder in my area who had only been minding a few months when inspected....incidentally we were at a meeting last week where we were told gradings are changing soon and satisfactory will be replaced with "requires improvement" and we were also told if you get 2 in a row then you may lose your registration????? has anyone else been told this? .....either way its seems that you should make every attempt to overturn her stupid decision ....good luck x x x x

We filled in a questionnaire from Ofsted with a link from the forum about this. I did not know it was a done deal though :mad:

shortstuff
10-05-2013, 11:04 AM
just called ofsted help desk again as I had a couple of other things to ask, I managed to get the inpectors name from them so now when I complain I can do it properly. I will be typing it up later today and asking my assistant that was here on the day to write something up too.

I feel relieved that you guys feel i might have a case, I know you have only heard one side but I appreciate the comments x.

Also the guy on the help desk pointed out something that I hadnt thought of. If I hurry and get the complaint in sooner rather than later I might save another first time graded inspection going the same way.

hectors house
10-05-2013, 11:17 AM
Sarah,......mine are on a CD and parents sign to say they have recieved a copy...will this satisfy Ofsted requirements?? xx

I offer mine on a CD or e-mail direct to parents but I always have a file with paper copies available for parents to read. Parents sign a sheet which details all the policies they have been sent saying they have received and read them.

lisbet
10-05-2013, 11:40 AM
I offer mine on a CD or e-mail direct to parents but I always have a file with paper copies available for parents to read. Parents sign a sheet which details all the policies they have been sent saying they have received and read them.

This is what I do (except I just email). So is it a requirement to hand them a paper copy of complaints and safeguarding policies as well as that? :confused: Do I need them to sign again to say they have received this paper copy or will the signature on the general sheet be enough?

Sorry to ask this on your inspection thread, Gail. :blush: I am stressing about mine a bit!

sskent08
10-05-2013, 12:17 PM
so sorry to hear. I had exactly the same, I was told as I had only been CM a few months I would only get satisfsactory, as she left she she said I am sure with more experiance you will get good if not outstanding!!!!!!

Well that was years ago and I am waiting to be inspected again

good for you for complaining, I should of done but didin't

munch149
10-05-2013, 12:43 PM
Exactly what happened to me. He used the excuse that I had no evidence. I'd only been working 3 weeks and Had only one child that day. So not fair they should have waited to come. Network worker said their is no doubt I should get higher next time. Waiting on another inspection now. Lets hope I get a nicer inspector. My grade has never stopped me getting parents tho so who cares. My parents always have positive comments and the children are happy.

Petshrinklj
10-05-2013, 02:42 PM
Hugs Hun. Sorry this happened to you. Best of luck with your appeal and complaint. Hopefully after you've complained she won't b dishing out satisfactory ratings willy nilly And will actually grade based on what cm deserve. Goodluck

shortstuff
10-05-2013, 02:48 PM
Hugs Hun. Sorry this happened to you. Best of luck with your appeal and complaint. Hopefully after you've complained she won't b dishing out satisfactory ratings willy nilly And will actually grade based on what cm deserve. Goodluck

We can only hope! Or maybe they will retrain all of their inspectors?

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