Nursery World - Evaluate Ofsted

I'm in complete sympathy with Marcella Cunningham (Letters, 4 August). Our nursery fell under the independent school blanket when we first opened and then we registered with Ofsted. In 2004 we had two inspections, one by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, then our preliminary by Ofsted. All went well and we knew Ofsted would be due again in the next six months. Paperwork included a diary sheet which we completed and returned. A phone call came on 4 April to say we'd be inspected within the next two weeks - not the month's notice as promised, but we could deal with it. All staff were ready and we lived each day as an Ofsted day.

Paperwork included a diary sheet which we completed and returned. A phone call came on 4 April to say we'd be inspected within the next two weeks - not the month's notice as promised, but we could deal with it. All staff were ready and we lived each day as an Ofsted day.

But on 8 April we received a phone call saying we were not an Ofsted priority and they were not coming to inspect our setting.

How were we supposed to feel - relieved, angry or physically drained? We now take each day as an Ofsted day and prepare accordingly. I am away for three weeks in September and Ofsted has not inspected our setting or sent new paperwork since April.

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