I was inspected in May 2005, four months after registration, and rated overall 'good' (with four 'good' and one 'satisfactory'). A colleague recently had her inspection and also rated overall 'good' (with four 'outstanding' and one 'good'). The inspector told her that she didn't ever give an 'outstanding'. How can my overall 'good' compare to hers?
I know of another childminder who received an 'outstanding' grade. The inspector had to confirm this with a colleague before being able to award it. What is the point of inspectors if they are not at liberty to award the grades we deserve? How many more childminders than the 671 reported deserved an overall outstanding grade? If we are to receive recognition and status we need to be treated in the same way as other childcare professionals.
Olga Oseman, Ware, Hertfordshire
