Q & A with Ofsted 7.10.17

North West Ofsted Big Conversation meeting 7/10/2017

Q & A session

Ofsted told us that they are moving to a new computer system – the old one is from 2002 and no longer fit for purpose. The first question was linked to this information:

Q Will existing SEFs be automatically transferred when Ofsted moves onto the new computer system?

A Gill Jones (GJ) for Ofsted: Yes. BUT Ofsted are currently asking themselves “how valuable is the SEF?” It is no longer used in schools…does EY really need it? If we have views on the SEF then Ofsted would like to hear them.

**Note – I have asked all the childminders on the Independent Childminders Facebook group to vote whether they find the Ofsted SEF useful or not.
No = 1051
Yes = 71
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Q Is there a new time frame for Ofsted inspections? We hear of settings being re-inspected after only two years.

A No, there’s been no change. The system is still running a 4-year inspection cycle, and selection within that four year period is still random, which can throw up both narrow and wide gaps between inspections. If it’s noticed that the gap between inspections is too small then the setting might be put back into the selection pot.

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Q How can Ofsted support the sector in lobbying the government for change?

A Ofsted personnel are civil servants and so it is inappropriate for them to lobby the government on matters of policy or funding, they must be seen to remain neutral. However, it is entirely appropriate for them to refer problems and discuss with the DfE anything relating to the EYFS or regulations, so they can speak on matters affecting practice.

**We took full advantage of this when talking to Ofsted at the end of the meeting about various concerns linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage which we know is a DfE document (not written by Ofsted). The concerns are mainly areas where childminders feel they are being discriminated against and we are asking for fairness.

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Q Is there still an independent Stage 3 in the complaints process**?

A Yes, it is still there. But Ofsted try to ensure that all complaints are resolved at source with the original inspection so recently fewer are getting as far as Stage 3.

**Various nursery owners and childminders were invited some time ago to join the Stage 3 Complaints Process to help moderate complaints made against Ofsted. There were a few meetings but we haven’t been invited to any for a while which is why the question was asked.
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Q How does Ofsted assess at inspection with regard to British values?

A What Ofsted look at in the inspection is the setting’s approach – they will want to see tolerance, respect, turn-taking, democracy embedded in practice - “we won’t be looking for a Union Jack in the corner!”

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Q Do Ofsted condone packed lunches in EY settings**?

A The inspector wouldn’t look at it in those terms. They would look at how the setting is ensuring they provide healthy and nutritious food by whatever method they think is right for them.

**Background: some LAs have been saying that providers are obliged to allow packed lunches to be brought in if that is what the parents wish. However, not all settings can safely store lunches at the correct temperature and many are concerned about issues with food safety and Environmental Health.
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Q We are not prepared to let the government push EY providers out of business due to inadequate funding. Is our plight having an impact on quality? Would Ofsted say so, and will they stand with us in telling the government about the impact on children of their policy?

A GJ: Ofsted (being civil servants) are not allowed to take part in campaigns no matter what we personally feel. However each year HM Chief Inspector publishes a report on the state of education and standards which is presented to parliament. The last was in December 2016. This is Ofsted’s official forum for comment to government and Ofsted cannot be seen to comment otherwise. “We have to be very careful in the way that we work to do the best for children.”

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Q Could Ofsted comment on an RI recently given because there was no note on file to say who countersigned a CBS?

A On this and similar questions relating to individual inspections Ofsted declined to comment without seeing the report as a whole – simply not enough information on which to base a comment. Queries should be raised at inspection and there is a complaints process which can be followed by all providers.

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Q Can Ofsted please confirm how providers will be judged if they choose not to sign up to the DBS update service?

A There is no requirement to continue paying for the update service. The decision to let it lapse would have no consequence. If the update service is lapsed, this will not affect the validity of the DBS itself and will not impact inspection.

Next Yorkshire & Humber OBC meeting: 7.00 Thursday 26th October, 7.00-9.00, St George’s Centre, Leeds

Next North West Ofsted Big Conversation meeting: 10/3/18 at Aintree Racecourse