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Post by cheryl1 on Sept 28, 2007 21:46:19 GMT
Hi just wondered if anybody out there that has had an inspection lately has got different gradings for the 5 different oucomes in the inspection. In my area people either seem to get all satisfactory or all good gradings, nobody up to now has had either mixed or an outstanding !
might just be the way that the inspectors work in the area or just that people got graded as they should have done !?!
cheryl x
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Post by angeldelight on Sept 28, 2007 21:49:24 GMT
Well you never can tell
That is the problem with gradings one inspector is not the same as another and they all seem to concentrate on different things
I think it is unfair anyway the way it is worked out - do not even start me off ha
Angel xx
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Post by cheryl1 on Sept 28, 2007 21:52:53 GMT
To be honest Angel they are my feelings totally !
I have known minders in my area who are fantastic and have been told by the inspectors that if it wasnt for 1 VERY minor fault they would have got an outstanding, but yet they only got given good on all 5 outcomes ??!!??
No logic in it - I think sometimes it just depends how the inspector feels on the day !
cheryl x
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Post by saira172 on Sept 28, 2007 22:04:38 GMT
I got 3 goods and 2 outstandings (organisation and enjoy and achieve) with an over all good. Inspector told me she doesn't give outstandings...in fact as far as I know we haven't had one at all in Shropshire Saira  |
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Post by angeldelight on Sept 28, 2007 22:06:28 GMT
I think that Inspector has a damn cheek saying she would not give out an outstanding
She is not doing her job properly then is she
God they make me sooooo mad
Angel xx
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Post by miffy on Sept 28, 2007 22:20:17 GMT
I think if an inspector says they don't give outstanding (and it's not the first time I've heard that) not only are they not doing their job properly, as Angel said, but they should be reported because they are denying you the opportunity to achieve the highest grade.
Sorry, have strong feelings on this one!
As I understand it you have to get outstanding in all areas to get outstanding overall. Is that correct?
Miffy
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Post by tasha on Sept 28, 2007 22:58:18 GMT
I got outstanding for all areas. All I can add is that Outstanding is the equivelent to 100%. In my area we have a full range of grading - from unsatisfactory - outstanding. Tasha  |
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Post by susan on Sept 29, 2007 7:30:16 GMT
Inspector told me she doesn't give outstandings... Saira that is awful if someone deserves it she should give them it, I'd actually make a complaint if it was me and I truely believed I'd achieved that, inspectors get me so so mad !!!! xxx |
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Post by susan on Sept 29, 2007 7:33:01 GMT
I'll be absolutley gutted if i get an unsatisfoctory or adequate  |
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Post by saira172 on Sept 29, 2007 8:44:01 GMT
Will wait for for the full publication of the 2007 list but none listed so far and none that I've heard of. She said that to be outstanding there would have to be absolutely nothing that she could think of that could be changed or enhanced. I'd put together a portfolio and at the front was a "justification of my self evaluation" as I knew that she was hard to please (most of here inspection are satisfactory)... "I have interpreted "outstanding", not as having every single box covered and being perfect all the time. Nor have I interpreted it as being at the top of the profession with nothing left to learn...as to do that would not only be quite arrogant but would be a dangerous way to practice and, I feel, would lead to complacency. Instead I have interpreted "outstanding" as those areas of practice which make a childminder stand out! The areas that other childminders and preschools want to share as good practice, the things that make you, or in this case me, just a little bit different." I am actually going to write to them (when I've finished OU assignment!!) but not sure whether to just write or make an official complaint. On my report they've said I've got a dog (she died 12 months ago), they've got an incorrect email address ( I realise this is just for them) but most importantly the only thing she could think of was to improve the garden (I'd said that I thought a recommendation to continue doing x y z shouldn't be a recommendation)....when we spoke she was muttering about a nursery she'd been to that had taps, and guttering with gradients everything plumbed in - said what I had was fine etc etc....I don't have toys are us in the garden but the children dig, poke, hide, make dens, make mud pies.......basically they play, imaginatively and creatively at the time this was fine. BUT when the report was published she's made it sound like the garden is unsafe and rubbish (it's not!) She's also stuck it in the "keeping children safe from harm" section!!! I plan to send lots of photos of happy children, my philosophy (which I didn't realise I had until someone dissed it) lots of evidence about the benefits of what I do etc etc.....if you want to have a nosey at my report it's here: tinyurl.com/37q8h4Oh - and she also said she agreed with my self evaluation but seems to have agreed with what I gave myself in June last year rather then this September!! Sorry - didn't mean to hijack, it's just a bit raw!! Saira  I think if an inspector says they don't give outstanding (and it's not the first time I've heard that) not only are they not doing their job properly, as Angel said, but they should be reported because they are denying you the opportunity to achieve the highest grade. Miffy |
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Post by cheryl1 on Sept 29, 2007 15:44:16 GMT
hi saira
just read your report, i would be well chuffed if i recieved a report like yours. i do agree that she has made your garden look bad but when you actually take the time to read the repost fully it reads really well !!!!
cheryl x
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Post by lou on Sept 29, 2007 17:19:54 GMT
hi saira just wanted to say i totally agree it is sooo wrong that she said that and she has denied you the opportuntiy to get outstanding.
i have had a read of your report though and i think its fab!!!!
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Post by saira172 on Sept 29, 2007 17:40:15 GMT
 Thanks for the nice thoughts...I've been sitting here in the conservatory all afternoon doing my assignment and I keep looking up thinking cross thoughts! LOL! Like she probably thought the 2 big tatty cardboard boxes were rubbish....if she'd have got off her bum and come out she would have seen the drawing over them and we could have told her about the use they'd had over the previous week, they were, rockets, dens, tents cars and boats..unfortunately they'd just about had it and the little boy who initiated the box play had been whisked away suddenly to the lakes! If she'd have ventured out she would have also seen the hand prints on the path in blue, yellow and green paint and the line of mud pots under the tree! I'm not upset about me forgetting to point them out, nor her not noticing them but her making the assumption that it needs to be more welcoming to children....it doesn't - it IS welcoming to children..they really enjoy it and would happily stay out all day! Where she says we access other areas for outdoor play - what she fails to mention is that we live a 2 minute toddler speed walk from the play park - with swings, slides, climbing frame, footy pitch and green space..... as I said - I don't need toys r us in the garden!! grrrr Saira Back to it!!! 
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Post by tasha on Sept 29, 2007 19:27:55 GMT
Saira, I think if I were in your position I would actually complain & challenge the grading. Tasha |
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Post by saira172 on Sept 29, 2007 19:34:29 GMT
BUT...if I complain officially rather than just write and whinge would it trigger another inspection?  Pros and cons isn't it  Saira, I think if I were in your position I would actually complain & challenge the grading. Tasha |
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Post by lou on Sept 29, 2007 19:40:46 GMT
its up to you babe, but you know what a good job you do, as we all do so even if that were the case, then surely at least you have the chance to prove it to someone different to last inspector??
good luck with whatever you decide to do xx
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Post by miffy on Sept 29, 2007 21:00:13 GMT
Has anyone ever challenged their grading and had it changed on review? or know anyone that has?
Miffy
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Post by janet on Sept 29, 2007 21:25:32 GMT
i think i would challenge it saira, wrong to say you couldnt get an outstanding xxxxxx
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Post by son77 on Sept 30, 2007 20:39:28 GMT
What pee's me off with the grading system is that if you are awarded 3 good's but 2 satisfactory's your overall grade is GOOD, but if you get 3 outstanding's & 2 good's your grade is still GOOD. How can that work, doesn't seem fair to me.
I know the NCMA is trying to get this changed but wether they do or not, we'll have to wait and see.
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Post by miffy on Sept 30, 2007 20:50:05 GMT
I agree with you - there is NO logic in that at all.
It still remains that despite a grading system that is supposed to treat everyone fairly it's down to an individuals interpretation and I can't see that changing.
Miffy
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Post by tasha on Oct 1, 2007 1:27:08 GMT
There was an article about challenging OFSTED in this weeks Nursary World. Might be worth a read! Tasha |
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Post by michellethegooner on Oct 1, 2007 2:00:49 GMT
just been reading your posts and to be honest I am fuming as I had been to another childminders on Friday morning. I dont know her that well just met her on our 1st aid course. anyhow she invited me around to hers and we got talking about THEM!! (Ofsted) and she showed me her report she had a good. I also have a good .... but this is where the grading system stinks.and Ofsed for that matter this woman is registered to look after 5 under 8s I am registered to look after 3under 8s her property is half the size of mine and she only uses 1 room for sleeping eating and playing I use 5rooms 2 bedrooms a playroom a living room and a huge kitchen and my back garden so technically 6 rooms.. the children where sleeping on the floor!!!! in sleeping bags granted.. but I am left reeling and am seriously thinking about questioning my inspector as this woman had hardly any toys/resources and told Ofsted she takes them to drop ins and parks and I was pulled on the fact that I didnt have a toy garage for heaven sakes at the time of my inspection I didnt have the age group for this toy and explained to my inspector that I took my mindees to local drop ins and that when ever a new child starts with me I speak to the parent and discuss their needs and purchse new resources as and when I think I will need them as the list for resources is never ending as there is always something you need to have.. anyway there was loads more that i picked up on at this minders home that im not going into here but I know had it been me and the inspector I had I would have been lucky to get a satisfactory and im wondering why there seems to be such a big inconsistency within Ofsted inspectors and why they have different rules for one minder and another for someone else grrrrrr...
michelle x
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Post by lorraine2767 on Oct 1, 2007 7:17:02 GMT
Wish I had never posted it, so I have taken it off now. xx
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Post by angeldelight on Oct 1, 2007 7:22:36 GMT
Please Do not judge minders that do not take the children to the drop in centres or toddler groups
I have been minding for years and I have been to one of these type groups about twice
I hated it
SO I NEVER GO TO THEM
The children in my care have lots of stimulation and loads of activities
I do not want to go to one of these centres because in my area it is just a place for mothers to sit and chat and the kids run wild ( I know they are all not like that )
It does not make me or anyone else a bad childminder if we do not use them !!!
I would be so upset if other minders in my area thought my gradings were unfair just because I did not take children to these groups
Angel xx
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Post by saira172 on Oct 1, 2007 9:54:13 GMT
ooo I've just been and bought it for the first time in weeks - will have a look in a bit! Thanks!  There was an article about challenging OFSTED in this weeks Nursary World. Might be worth a read! Tasha |
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Post by lorraine2767 on Oct 1, 2007 10:53:04 GMT
Lorraine xx
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Post by angeldelight on Oct 1, 2007 13:56:23 GMT
Haha Lorraine dopey I was not angry with you at all in any way
Hope I did not sound abrupt ?
That is the problem sometimes when you try to say what you mean it does not come out the way it would sound
I know you well enough to know that you did not mean anything by it - the woman you are on about you would obviously know more about her etc etc
I was speaking in general terms really and that I really hope a Ofsted inspector would understand why I would not want to go to these centres / and that I have no intention
See I am going on now haha
What are we like
I know you are always sweet so do not worry I did not think you meant anything
There is someone not far from me actually who is a bit like the lady you describe so I do understand where you are coming from
Angel xx
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Post by lorraine2767 on Oct 1, 2007 15:03:36 GMT
As long as I did not upset Angel. xxx
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Post by buildingblocks on Oct 2, 2007 7:12:14 GMT
I am trying to word this right but I agree with Angel and I am not having a go at anyone (really don't want to upset anyone). I very rarely got to the drop ins around here and I am sure they are very good ones in fact a friend of mine runs two of them.
I struggle as I do not drive so the nearest one to me involves a half hour walk one way and all the rest involve an hour walk one way. Some of the people who go to the groups sit in their little groups and make you feel very unwelcome (and I have known these people many years as well).
The children in my care get the best care I can give them. I have friends with their children around so the children do get to mix with other children just not on a large scale (and yes I do feel bad that we don't go especially as certain people in our local authority make you feel bad for not doing it).
I would love to mix with other childminders in the area but any that live near to me do not seem to want to mix and I have just given up trying.
love Kate
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Post by angeldelight on Oct 2, 2007 7:55:50 GMT
I know what you are saying Kate
I do not drive and find it hard to get to these places also like your centres they are all in their own little groups
Shame they are not the same everywhere though
Bit like the support minder in our area I so wish we had one like Pauline or Dee but no - when my daughter registered a few years ago she called once and was rude and abrupt
Think it is like many things in life though - it is the luck of the draw !!!
Angel xx
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Pros and cons isn't it 
