Ofsted Withdraw Controversial Guidance

Ofsted Withdrawn Controversial Guidance

In a childcare setting, nothing is more important than children’s welfare, and it was this sentiment that lay behind Ofsted’s recent ‘Childcare: Reporting significant events and changes to health’ guidance. As written, this would have required childcare providers to keep close tabs on their employees’ health, both mental and physical, and keep Ofsted abreast of any changes. While the intention may have been laudable however, the guidance itself was immediately criticised as a serious overreach on the part of the regulator.

Childcare is often a difficult and stressful job, and childcare providers are very diverse in terms of their age and lifestyle. Ordinary events such as bereavements or moving house can of course impact someone’s mental health, and no-one is immune to physical ailments or even just the effect of aging. That Ofsted apparently wanted childcare providers to notify them of any changes to their staff’s mental health, or if they developed painful medical conditions was seen as both impractical and highly intrusive. For its part Ofsted claims this is simply clarifying existing requirements, but this does not gel with the experience of childcare providers.

In response to the outcry, Ofsted has now withdrawn the guidance and is reviewing it internally. It claims the guidance was written in response to consultation asking for clarity as to what should be reported. While clarity is always welcome, exhaustive lists that seem to override the common sense and judgment of childcare providers themselves is clearly not what was intended. Ofsted will need to find a middle-ground that provides a clear steer on what is required, without imposing an unworkable burden.