I understand what you are trying to say. I wouldn't say gradings mean nothing though because there are
more childminders who strive to provide the best possible care for the their children and word extremely hard to gain the grading that they have obtained.
I think perhaps the
wording/description ie 'satisfactory', 'good' is what is unacceptable. It does not reflect what we do adequately. They are quite non-descriptive, bland words that don't convey the effort that is put in, when in both circumstances you are doing blooming great.
In saying all that, being a support minder, I come across a few minders who have gotten inadequates 1 and 2 (deservedly so I have to add - some very glaring holes in their care) and when you put 'inadequate' next to 'satisfactory' - there is actually a huge jump in the
meanings if you see what I mean.
Yes I agree with you that there are some minders out there who can talk the talk well enough come inspection time and that grates on me - especally when there is nothing to distinguish them and me on paper. However, I KNOW what i do is real, honest and true and it comes from the heart 100%. None of its talk, none of its show and what it really boils down to - the children are happy in my care and the parents are happy with the care.
Like you I had a (in my view) a disappointing inspection but do you know what - I am happy with the care I provide and so are the parents. To them I am 'special'
and they appreciate me.
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