Nursery World - Why are we kept waiting even longer?

During our recent annual Ofsted inspection we were told that before they could start work in our setting, all new employees had to have an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check and a clearance letter from Ofsted confirming that all checks were complete. Previously we have been able to let new staff work as long as they were supervised at all times. While we appreciate the reasons for this change, it will clearly have a negative impact on our business. The current climate for nursery staff is volatile, with many opportunities for employment as new childcare settings are opening and there are not enough qualified staff to go round.

Previously we have been able to let new staff work as long as they were supervised at all times. While we appreciate the reasons for this change, it will clearly have a negative impact on our business. The current climate for nursery staff is volatile, with many opportunities for employment as new childcare settings are opening and there are not enough qualified staff to go round.

Staff who leave give us one month's notice. But we are still waiting for letters from Ofsted about staff that we sent back in April. If we had been unable to use them supervised, we would have had a six-month gap and would have had to tell parents they couldn't bring their children to nursery.

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