@EYTalking Tweets - #ofstedbigconversation via Twitter

Facilitated by Laura Henry

@EYTalking: WERE BACK! #EYTalking @EYTalking: Ok Tweeters! What are our #ofstedbigconversation issues & concerns? #EYTalking Emma Harris (@lilcaterpillars) @EYTalking anon complaint triggering inspection clearly open 2 abuse frm exemployees,disgruntled parents #eytalking Ofst. 2 b aware of this (Retweeted by @EYTalking) Ben (@iteachyearR ): @lilcaterpillars @EYTalking I would seriously hope it takes more than one or two 'complaints' (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: @iteachyearR @lilcaterpillars That is the case of you see the previous tweet with the link to LinkedIn. over 400 comments! #EYTalking @EYTalking: @JuneOSullivan started the conversation on @NurseryWorld LinkedIn page http://www.linkedin.com/groups/What-is-happening-Ofsted-Are-4236984.S.231774450?qid=3dd726973b46-4138-b64d-75908a3ce0dd&trk=groups_most_popular-0-b-ttl&goback=%2Egmp_4236984 #EYTalking Sue Cowley (@Sue_Cowley): @EYTalking Paperwork for volunteer committee mems has been causing us big probs. DBS + Ofsted not communicating over charges, costs going up (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: @Sue_Cowley Good point, makes a mockery of the big society! #EYTalking Sue Cowley (@Sue_Cowley): @EYTalking can feel as though gov't forgets about voluntary run preschools, they talk about nurseries/businesses in documents. #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: Catronia from @daycaredoctor has kindly set up a website with useful information & links http://www.thebigofstedconversation.co.uk/ #EYTalking Simona McKenzie (@signoramac): @EYTalking @Sue_Cowley We need clarification on discrepancy between grades awarded by inspector and #Ofsted QA team #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: @Sue_Cowley In a pre-school yesterday, they spent about 30k on refurb. to take 2yr olds LA now not paying up! #EYTalking @EYTalking 3rd September 2013 Page |1 Compiled by Virtual Support UK Ltd

@EYTalking Tweets - #ofstedbigconversation via Twitter

Facilitated by Laura Henry

Clare Bailey (@Clarelouisebod): @EYTalking Big concern is lack of consistency amongst inspections #EYTalking #ofstedbigconversation (Retweeted by EYTalking) Aunt Cathy's C/M Ser (@Cathy172): @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking Yeh, I agree with you and Simona too many indiscrepancies between Inspectors! #Ofsted #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Jacqui Burke (@jacquiburkefp): @Sue_Cowley @EYTalking Easier for them to regulate larger orgs - nursery chains, childminder agencies, federated primary schools #eytalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Hels (@00sixpointfive): @Sue_Cowley @EYTalking I agree with this. It feels as if voluntary run settings are ignored; certainly not credited with great work. (Retweeted by EYTalking) Jacqui Burke (@jacquiburkefp): @Sue_Cowley @EYTalking But removes parental choice #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: What do we hope to achieve from the #ofstedbigconversation meetings next week? #EYTalking Simona McKenzie (@signoramac): @EYTalking Ofsted participation which would give clear indication of their respect for the workforce concerns #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Aunt Cathy's C/M Ser (@Cathy172): @signoramac @EYTalking @Sue_Cowley I agree! Too many indescrepancies!!!! One Inspector says one thing another says different! (Retweeted by EYTalking) Sue Cowley (@Sue_Cowley): @00sixpointfive @EYTalking we are often just like tiny free schools - ironically! They don't get ignored.#EYTalking http://suecowley.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/the-44-year-old-free-school/ (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: blog 1 by @JuneOSullivan on #ofstedbigconversation http://www.leyf.org.uk/blog/is-the-current-ofstedstrategy-masking-something-far-more-sinister #EYTalking Hels (@00sixpointfive): @Sue_Cowley @EYTalking I have never thought of it like this but you are right! #EYtalking

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@EYTalking Tweets - #ofstedbigconversation via Twitter

Facilitated by Laura Henry

Simona McKenzie (@signoramac): @Cathy172 @EYTalking @Sue_Cowley A universal set of #standards across England for all inspectors to follow and us to rely upon? #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Sarah Steel (@nurserysarah): @signoramac @EYTalking @Sue_Cowley Absolutely, I think most inspectors are v fair and decide grade, but QA process seems to be over-riding (Retweeted by EYTalking) Simona McKenzie (@signoramac): @nurserysarah @EYTalking @Sue_Cowley Who is in the #Ofsted QA team? how can they change grade from an inspectors judgement? #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Sarah Steel (@nurserysarah): @signoramac @Cathy172 @EYTalking @Sue_Cowley I think OFSTED would say this is what they have! Interpretation is key and QA a big problem (Retweeted by EYTalking) Tracey Everatt (@Kingfisher_1985): @signoramac @Cathy172 @EYTalking @Sue_Cowley like @nurserysarah said, it's not a lack of standards, it's personal interpretation. Aunt Cathy's C/M Ser (@Cathy172): @signoramac @EYTalking @Sue_Cowley there is a Set of Standards to follow, in Scotland anyway But each Inspector interprets them differently (Retweeted by EYTalking) Laura G (@Gold_Lol): @signoramac @EYTalking @Cathy172 @Sue_Cowley heard of c/ms being told at start of insp not to expect o/s grade - v wrong #EYTalking Simona McKenzie (@signoramac): @Gold_Lol @EYTalking @Cathy172 @Sue_Cowley That needs to be raised at #ofstedbigconverstaion meetings #EYTalking Sue Chambers (@SueChambers14): @signoramac @nurserysarah @EYTalking @Sue_Cowley I think this lack of transparency is key. Schools would not accept it (Retweeted by EYTalking) Aunt Cathy's C/M Ser (@Cathy172): @Gold_Lol @signoramac @EYTalking @Sue_Cowley We told that regularly, c/m can't get 6! I fought 4 a 6 n got a 6! Doesn't mean I'm perfect! Clare Bailey (@Clarelouisebod): @Gold_Lol @EYTalking @Cathy172 We want inspectors to be positive + not on look-out for negatives all the time #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking 3rd September 2013 Page |3 Compiled by Virtual Support UK Ltd

@EYTalking Tweets - #ofstedbigconversation via Twitter

Facilitated by Laura Henry

@EYTalking: The main issue is around these complaint driven inspections. At times have no relevance to current practice! #EYTalking Laura G (@Gold_Lol): @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking @Cathy172 agree Clare - inspection should be a positive experience - I think I've been one of the lucky ones! (Retweeted by EYTalking) Sue Cowley (@Sue_Cowley): I don't feel 3-4 hours is enough for Ofsted to judge setting, even small one like ours. #EYTalking What length inspections hv others had? (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: @Sue_Cowley Good point, about duration! Some large settings have 4 only. #EYTalking Tracey Everatt (@Kingfisher_1985): @Sue_Cowley our Ofsted inspector walked in at 9am and left at 3.30pm #EYTalking Clare Bailey (@Clarelouisebod): @EYTalking @Sue_Cowley For #childminders average seems to be around 3 hrs at moment #EYTalking #ofstedbigconversation (Retweeted by EYTalking) Sarah Steel (@nurserysarah): @Sue_Cowley #EYtalking We have had 6 since Jan, all between 8.30 and 2.30 max, then feedback, regardless of size. Can only be a snapshot... Leoarna Mathias (@leoarnawrites): @Sue_Cowley That is all they are allowed and generally inspectors dont think its enough either #EYTalking Sarah Steel (@nurserysarah): @leoarnawrites @Sue_Cowley #EYTalking I feel sorry for inspectors, most want to be fair but time constraints and 'the system' seem difficult Leoarna Mathias (@leoarnawrites): @nurserysarah @Sue_Cowley More like impossible. Most are brilliant, genuine, passionate people but the system fails them.... @EYTalking: blog 2 by @JuneOSullivan #ofstedbigconversation http://www.leyf.org.uk/blog/get-on-board-ofstedlisten-and-respond-to-the-ofstedbigconversation #EYTalking Lisa Constable (@LisaJConstable): @nurserysarah @leoarnawrites @Sue_Cowley Couldn't agree more!

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@EYTalking Tweets - #ofstedbigconversation via Twitter

Facilitated by Laura Henry

Simona McKenzie (@signoramac): @nurserysarah @leoarnawrites @Sue_Cowley 5 inspectors in 12 yrs ALL prof+knowledgeable+pleasant That is how it should be #EYTalking Sue Cowley (@Sue_Cowley): @leoarnawrites @nurserysarah Yes, I can see that is true, my experience is limited, ours was fine, wish we had more time to show tho. Aunt Cathy's C/M Ser (@Cathy172): @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking yep that's abt same up here. A friend of mine had a 4hr inspection. Didn't leave till almost 7pm! #EYTalking Clapton Blues (@garyfoskett ); @Sue_Cowley It's important for everyone to understand that Ofsted is an arm of government & a vehicle for HMCI etc to pursue political aims. EASY' EYFS SOFTWARE (@EASYsol4NURSERY): Comlaints procedure is a sham altho all other complaints taken seriously #ofstedbigconversation #EYTalking @EYTalking: A big thanks to @KA_Jennie CEO from @KidsAllowed who thought of the term #ofstedbigconversation #EYTalking Pam Rudge (@PamRudge): @EYTalking There needs to be consistency in inspections some are 'no notice' whilst state sector have same notice as schools DTChildcareplus Ltd (@dtchildcareplus): @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking I think this is the bane of the matter. Inconsistency. (Retweeted by EYTalking) Clare Bailey (@Clarelouisebod): @EYTalking Inspections - If Ofsted now to be sole arbiter of quality then important they get it right #EYTalking #ofstedbigconversation (Retweeted by EYTalking) Aunt Cathy's C/M Ser (@Cathy172): @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking Yeh, I agree with you and Simona too many indiscrepancies between Inspectors! #Ofsted #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Emma Harris (@lilcaterpillars): @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking definitely - loads of anecdotal evidence from other c/ms shows that inspectors all differ in their judgements (Retweeted by EYTalking) DTChildcareplus Ltd (@dtchildcareplus): And inspectors who are actually able to recognise good practice. #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking)

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@EYTalking Tweets - #ofstedbigconversation via Twitter

Facilitated by Laura Henry

Emma Harris (@lilcaterpillars): @dtchildcareplus I agree but what is good/best practice should it be more explicit so that we & they are on the same wavelength? #EYTalking @EYTalking: @dtchildcareplus when I worked in LA yrs ago, as a reg/insp. we had to have management & coal face experience. 1/2 #EYTalking Sarah Steel (@nurserysarah): @EYTalking We had 2nd inspection in 6 mths from complaint, still GOOD, so complete waste of time. Another of our settings no insp for 5 yrs (Retweeted by EYTalking) Lisa Constable (@lisajconstable): @EYTalking Sorry I'm late - just got home from a long day! Not sure what has already been said, however speaking from experience 1/2 (Retweeted by EYTalking) Lisa Constable (@lisajconstable): @EYTalking 2/2 Initially offered to inspectors was of poor quality - hence my own resignation - didn't feel confident to make judgements (Retweeted by EYTalking) Leoarna Mathias (@leoarnawrites): @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking inconsistent they are! Anyone want to ask honest ex inspector something #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Pam Rudge (@PamRudge): @EYTalking Inspectors with EY background, experience and EY qualifications please! (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: Think issues around outsourcing inspections as well. #EYTalking Sarah Fillingham (@SarahFilPortico): @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking definitely - our inspecter hadn't read our SEF, didn't question anything in it or our action plans :-( (Retweeted by EYTalking) Tracey Everatt (@Kingfisher_1985): @PamRudge: @EYTalking Inspectors with EY background, experience and EY qualifications please! THIS!!!! #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: @Kingfisher_1985 @PamRudge I had to have this pre-Ofsted days. The inconsistencies started when Ofsted took over. Hence, why I left!

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@EYTalking Tweets - #ofstedbigconversation via Twitter

Facilitated by Laura Henry

Laura G (@Gold_Lol): @lilcaterpillars @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking Agree - one c/m I know got a good with no valid first aid cert & no course booked! # (Retweeted by EYTalking) Jennie Johnson (@KA_Jennie): @EYTalking @KidsAllowed thank-you, hoping the event is a huge success, we have a lot confirmed, and more welcome x (Retweeted by EYTalking) Simona McKenzie (@signoramac): @Gold_Lol @lilcaterpillars @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking Guide on what #Ofsted MUST see, should see optional to see at inspection? #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Laura G (@Gold_Lol): @signoramac @EYTalking @Cathy172 @Sue_Cowley yes all inspected on a level playing field #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Jennie Johnson (@KA_Jennie): #EYTalking this is why I am participating in the #ofstedbigconversation http://www.kidsallowed.com/social/ofsted-their-new-culture-of-fear-and-why-it-is-dangerous-for-children/ (Retweeted by EYTalking) Lisa Constable (@lisajconstable): @EYTalking An inspector friend works for Tribal and Prospects and says training in the north is better should be the same and high quality (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: @LisaJConstable I have heard that as well! Training & CPD on quality & pedagogy key. #EYTalking Jennie Johnson (@KA_Jennie): #EYTalking outcomes being changed after event is v.demoralising 4 setting, but also must b 4 the inspector, their judgement being changed? (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: Sarah Steel (@nurserysarah): @Gold_Lol @EYTalking Last inspector gave us list of docs to see at beginning of inspection, could be published for all to prep in advance (Retweeted by EYTalking) Leoarna Mathias (@leoarnawrites): @lilcaterpillars @Gold_Lol @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking small proportion of inspectors who are new freelancers may be 'hazy' on regulatory! (Retweeted by EYTalking) Pam Rudge (@PamRudge): @EYTalking 3rd September 2013 Page |7 Compiled by Virtual Support UK Ltd

@EYTalking Tweets - #ofstedbigconversation via Twitter

Facilitated by Laura Henry

@EYTalking Moved from 14 yrs in PVI sector Pre School into LA maintained setting - couldn't believe the difference in type of Inspection! (Retweeted by EYTalking) Sarah Steel (@nurserysarah): @KA_Jennie #EYTalking I think that is the real crux of this issue. Very unfair for all. (Retweeted by EYTalking) Lisa Constable (@lisajconstable): @lilcaterpillars @Gold_Lol @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking @leoarnawrites Interpretation and knowledge in each area can be different & reflected (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: Map with details of meetings & venues for #ofstedbigconversation http://www.thebigofstedconversation.co.uk/category/regional-meetings/ #EYTalking @EYTalking: @KA_Jennie mockery of their training if they change judgments. What does that say about the calibre of their inspectors? #EYTalking Leoarna Mathias (@leoarnawrites): @EYTalking in 12 yrs involved with sector never known this happen - so proud to be associated with early years #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Sue Cowley (@Sue_Cowley): @TheLittleEmmaB @EYTalking @jacquiburkefp @MissHWilliamsxx We have wide ranging resps, like a HT/bursar/governor role. I sat in on feedback. (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: If there is a venue not near you for #ofstedbigconversation why not arrange one? #EYTalking Little_EmmaB (@TheLittleEmmaB): @dtchildcareplus so did we, back in the day. Here's hoping we can rebuild that relationship with Ofsted. #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) DTChildcareplus Ltd (@dtchildcareplus): When I worked in LA, we used to have regional Ofsted meetings where local & national issues were aired and addressed.1/2 #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Jennie Johnson (@KA_Jennie): #EYTalking the holy grail, is a fair, transparent & consistently applied criteria for judgement. Not flavour of the month/inspector/Ofsted (Retweeted by EYTalking) Sarah Fillingham (@SarahFilPortico): @EYTalking 3rd September 2013 Page |8 Compiled by Virtual Support UK Ltd

@EYTalking Tweets - #ofstedbigconversation via Twitter

Facilitated by Laura Henry

@KA_Jennie definitely agree with that. Only way each inspector can look at the same things in all settings I believe that's how we lost out (Retweeted by EYTalking) Little_EmmaB (@TheLittleEmmaB): I wish that Ofsted would also share the very good practice that does exist in the early years PVI settings in their newsletters. #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Clare Bailey (@Clarelouisebod): @EYTalking Time between inspections appears to be lengthening. Many providers here 4+ yrs since last inspection #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: blog 3 by @JuneOSullivan http://www.leyf.org.uk/blog/ofsted-big-conversation-on-your-marks-get-set/ #ofstedbigconversation #EYTalking Laura G (@Gold_Lol): @lilcaterpillars @signoramac @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking agree - I don't expect an easy inspection but I should expect fairness #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Leoarna Mathias (@leoarnawrites): @signoramac @KA_Jennie as always the opp to stand in front of minister and say got x number inspections done for y #numbersgame #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: With Government work outsourced, there is always a risk of quantity V quality. #EYTalking Jennie Johnson (@KA_Jennie): #EYTalking even though we r "outstanding" I would like to get rid of grades, and have a very high "compliance" bar. Shut to bad ones down (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: @LisaJConstable @Clarelouisebod There lies the problem. Hence, their recruitment drive. #EYTalking Leoarna Mathias (@leoarnawrites): @EYTalking Hitting Nail on Head there. #feelingoutspokenthisevening #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking)

Andrew Ellery @Andrew_Ellery @signoramac @EYTalking @nurserysarah @Sue_Cowley In my view this is important. There needs to be scrutiny of an inspectors work. (Retweeted by EYTalking) Andrew Ellery @Andrew_Ellery

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@EYTalking Tweets - #ofstedbigconversation via Twitter

Facilitated by Laura Henry

@EYTalking the changes in other inspection frameworks so probably not best here but would be the multi-agency, multi-inspectorate (Retweeted by EYTalking) Andrew Ellery @Andrew_Ellery @EYTalking inspections of children's services currently put on hold. Although in my view for good reasons, it is still needed in CP (Retweeted by EYTalking) Andrew Ellery @Andrew_Ellery @dtchildcareplus @EYTalking I find it frustrating with all focus on Ofsted in early years. Compliance really doesn't equate to actual (Retweeted by EYTalking) Andrew Ellery @Andrew_Ellery @dtchildcareplus @EYTalking quality so an over emphasis on Ofsted takes away from going above and beyond and innovating. Many places... (Retweeted by EYTalking) Andrew Ellery @Andrew_Ellery @dtchildcareplus @EYTalking do but the EY inspection framework is in my view the simplest of them. But regional meetings to look at.. (Retweeted by EYTalking) Andrew Ellery @Andrew_Ellery @dtchildcareplus @EYTalking important regulatory body themes etc are a good idea. Not saying Ofsted shouldn't be in our minds etc (Retweeted by EYTalking) DTChildcareplus Ltd (@dtchildcareplus): @Gold_Lol @EYTalking yes. Some inspectors do this. We used to support providers to challenge these types of decisions. #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Leoarna Mathias (@leoarnawrites): @EYTalking I had personal contact with him too. Not bad bloke. Less faith nowadays #outsourcingtrashedinspection #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Emma Harris (@lilcaterpillars): @Clarelouisebod @EYTalking some are almost 5 years since last inspection! #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Lisa Constable (@lisajconstable): @EYTalking @Clarelouisebod The current situation is putting off quality Early years professional who would be great at inspecting #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) Jennie Johnson (@KA_Jennie): I network a lot in the sector, there is horror story after story of unfair complaint led inspections with predetermined outcomes #EYTalking (Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking:

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@EYTalking Tweets - #ofstedbigconversation via Twitter

Facilitated by Laura Henry

@KA_Jennie Indeed, I have had so many emails & calls on #ofsted issues, this is why these solution meetings are important! #EYTalking Little_EmmaB (@TheLittleEmmaB): I'm sad that whenever Ofsted share good practice in their EY newsletter, it seems to be from a maintained nursery school. #EYTalking(Retweeted by EYTalking) @EYTalking: @TheLittleEmmaB I always say.. read in between the lines, in that! #EYTalking @EYTalking: Thank you all so much for tonight! Roll on the #ofstedbigconversation meeting next week. #EYTalking @EYTalking: Tonights #EYTalking is in memory of Sabrina Moss. Let us show how we care by donating to the fund for her son. https://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/help-us-raise-money-in-memory-of-sabrinamoss-xxx/83587/donate#pp

Summary of tweets: Inconsistencies of inspectors QA systems and changing grades set by the inspector Regulation is needed welfare of the child is paramount Differences between Tribal and Prospects inspectors Personal interpretation of regulation from the inspectors Inspectors pre-judging inspection judgments Greater transparency is needed Complaint driven inspections Duration of inspections Appeals process needs to be independent of Tribal, Prospects and Ofsted

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