Memorandum submitted by Sue Allen
I am a Deputy Manager in a 53 place day care facility
in Surrey. I have over 10 years experience in childcare, I have
a degree in Childhood Studies and have obtained my Early Years
Professional Status.
In response to your enquiries regarding Ofsted and
a single inspectorate. Yes I do agree there should only be one
national inspectorate after all you can only have one final answer
from one organisation. However Ofsted Inspectors must be trained
to a minimum of degree level and should have obtained their EYP
status and should have had some sort of experience with early
years or else how can they possibly comment on the performance
of a setting. Quite recently our setting was visited by Ofsted,
the young lady was very approachable and had a list of questions
to follow but did not have a detailed knowledge of early years.
After commenting that I had obtained my EYP status she did not
even know what this was! It was not noted in our Ofsted report
and when I rang to complain was told it didn't matter because
although I worked at the setting I wasn't the manager so they
wouldn't be changing anything!
Any single Inspectorate needs to have the respect
and authority to be able to deliver the service, that is to be
able to access settings and have the knowledge base and experience
to give a balanced and fair view.
August 2010
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