Some callers to Ofsted's helpline number have been frustrated by problems with the mechanism for re-routing calls to the correct regional office. Meanwhile, Ofsted's childcare inspectors, who are now working from home using laptop computers, have also experienced difficulties with the technology.
An Ofsted spokeswoman acknowledged the trouble but stressed that solutions were on the way. She said, 'There have been some teething problems, but we are confident that the telephone lines have been sorted out. The phones now seem to be working well.
'We are sorting out the technical problems with the computers. It hasn't stopped inspectors going about their business. Where they need forms we can still send the paper version.'
The spokeswoman also defended the organisation against comments made by MP Charlotte Atkins in a recent parliamentary debate on the early years, suggesting that delays in registration were occurring as a result of the takeover. Ms Atkins said no new facilities had been registered in her constituency in Staffordshire since Ofsted took over, a situation which might persist and result in the loss of many potential providers (News, 1 November).
The spokeswoman pointed out that the Children Act 1989 introduced specific timescales for local authorities to complete registration of new providers, which have been three months for childminders and six months for group daycare since 1991. She said, 'These were set to take account of the wide range of tasks, such as criminal record checks. Many of these are subject to work by a range of different regulatory bodies.
'Ofsted believes the whole process can become more effective and fast, and we are going to review the timescale, but we only took over on 1 September.'
