I, too, was shocked and distressed by the TV programme 'Nurseries Undercover' and felt it reflected negatively on Ofsted. I am in favour of 'spot checks', but as practitioners we know that Ofsted is desperately short-staffed and that some checks are being delayed or cancelled. I have worked in professional childcare for 14 years, progressing from a volunteer in my child's playgroup to managing a nursery for the past five years. I have recently completed the NVQ4 in Early Years, have the DPP, D32/33 and a health and safety qualification. I've twice applied to be a childcare inspector with Ofsted, only to be told that I was not selected because the panel felt the information on my application form did not meet the required criteria. It seems they are more interested in my IT skills than my experience in working with children!
I, too, was shocked and distressed by the TV programme 'Nurseries Undercover' and felt it reflected negatively on Ofsted. I am in favour of 'spot checks', but as practitioners we know that Ofsted is desperately short-staffed and that some checks are being delayed or cancelled.
I have worked in professional childcare for 14 years, progressing from a volunteer in my child's playgroup to managing a nursery for the past five years. I have recently completed the NVQ4 in Early Years, have the DPP, D32/33 and a health and safety qualification. I've twice applied to be a childcare inspector with Ofsted, only to be told that I was not selected because the panel felt the information on my application form did not meet the required criteria. It seems they are more interested in my IT skills than my experience in working with children!
I will keep applying, and hopefully one day I'll get the paperwork right, or maybe Ofsted will realise that it is experienced people who have worked at the coalface of childcare that they need as inspectors, rather than someone who can fill out forms.
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