Sorry if this has been already posted but if you look at B3 on this report it talks about electrical sockets when being inspected.

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/early-years-september-2011

Thanks for posting this! V useful

I decided to use the covers because I thought it was required.

x

I dont use socket covers - never have for my own kids. :thumbsup:

Had bought them (cos thought had to) to use for when i was reg before but cco then said it was up to me and my RA. So this time around i didnt bother getting them and im happy with that.:thumbsup:

Thank you for posting - most interesting.


Penny :)

Thanks Cherry, interesting reading!

Miffy xx

If anyone is told at inspection that they should or must have socket covers we always recommend they challenge it if it appears on their report.

I am pleased there is something now in Ofsted literature to back us up.

I will make sure Socketman the forum member from http://www.fatallyflawed.org.uk/ sees the document.

There is also a sample policy which members are welcome to adapt for their own use in free downloads at the top of the forum.

Thank you Cherry :D

Thanks for flagging this Cherry, and thanks to Sarah for letting me know.

It is good that there is now a public statement from Ofsted, up to now you had to ask Ofsted HQ to get this info.

However, When Ofsted says "We neither encourage nor discourage the responsible use of socket covers" you have to ask, how can there be a responsible use of a an unregulated product? Especially when you consider that you cannot buy one which is the correct size to fit safely into a UK socket!

And when Ofsted refers to "the type of sockets considered as ‘safe’", they are simply ignoring the fact that the UK has the strongest regulation of sockets of any country, and it is illegal for anyone to supply power sockets which do not fully meet the safety standard. Unless your sockets are broken, or are something other than the three flat pin type with which we are all familiar, then the Government has already declared them safe!