Hi everyone
Before I start I just want to apologise for going on but I am so cross I just had to write it down.
A good friend of mine has just had her inspection and received a 'Good', which she was happy with, but the inspector told her that she has only ever given one Outstanding and that was certainly not to a childminder.
So why do we spend our evenings and weekends going on courses and writing up our Policys and Procedures (because we can't do them during the day as we are too busy writing observations, diarys and taking photo's) if we are only going to be given a Good!
Since Ofsted have took over I have had to buy a 4 drawer filing cabinet to put all the extra paperwork in.
I have been a childminder for nearly 11 years and when Social Services were in charge I think the only paperwork I had on each child was the contract and an information sheet. They used to inspect once a year and yes we did get a bit nervous before they came but as it was usually the same person that came so you knew what to expect. She would go round the house checking plug sockets, how hot the water was, did the smoke alarms work etc. then we would sit down with a cup of tea and have a chat. She would ask after the family, how was I getting on, did I have any concerns over the minded children? You felt at ease and you knew that she was usually always there at the end of the phone if you needed some advice.
But now, it is all so different. I have 4 friends that gave up childminding last year as they were fed up with all the paperwork which is a shame as they were very good and long term minders so had plenty of experience.
I've had 2 interviews this week and not one of the parents were interested in my policys and procedures. All they were interested in was whether they liked me, whether their child would be happy and were the children that I looked after happy with me.
I told them about the things we did, like which Mums & Tots we would go to and what outings we would be doing through the year, and when I told them I would be doing a diary and taking photo's they were over the moon.
They weren't interested in themes of the month or what religion we would be celebrating this month.
Parents come to us because they want a home from home enviroment not a Nursery.
I'll get off my soapbox now and I'm sorry if upset some people but I just had to express my views and I'm sure I'm not alone.
Thanks
Cherry
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