OFSTED announce new inspections regime (26 Sept 2014)

[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?

[shortstuff]

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

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