Today I read with interest Ofsted's new childcare factsheet, 'Serious accidents, injuries and deaths that registered providers must notify to Ofsted and local child protection agencies'.
Back in September, Nursery World reported that Ofsted was planning to issue 'precise guidance' after a successful appeal was made by a nursery owner to clarify the EYFS requirement.
My initial reaction is that the document is not very 'precise' at all. A discussion between several childminders of my acquaintance has already highlighted many shortfalls of the guidance. Would a serious dog bite really not require notification? Or a road traffic accident? The guidance suggests that only hospital stays of 24 hours or longer require us to contact Ofsted. Yet they would like to be informed about pain that is not relieved by simple painkillers. Toothache, anyone?
And what if a child has an underlying medical condition that makes them more vulnerable to breathing difficulties? Or allergic reactions that require medical interventions?
There are many circumstances and situations which simply aren't catered for in the new guidance, and when you are concerned about the welfare of a young child, Ofsted is the last thing you think about.
Ironically, the incident that prompted the new guidance - a child's cut lip which required stitches - would not be deemed notifiable under the published guidelines.
This guidance has been published because it is badly needed. So please, Ofsted, give us something we can actually work with.
Gail Barton, registered childminder, Lancashire
Our letter of the week wins £30 worth of books
TIME FOR US ALL TO PULL TOGETHER
I couldn't agree more with June O'Sullivan (Letters, 10 March) on the importance of ensuring that the resources provided to the children and families sector through the Department for Education must produce innovation, fresh thinking and most importantly sustainable services. I also agree that all those delivering programmes must work together to squeeze every penny out of the investment that is being made.
4Children is proud to be leading the strategic partnership for Government on the early years. We are firmly committed to ensuring that the sector will have a vital role to play, and look forward to developing a new approach which will put collaboration and representation at the heart of our work.
Over the coming weeks we will be asking all organisations that are delivering services for young children and their families to get involved - to open up a dialogue with local providers and their families that goes two ways, between national policy and local practice, and vice versa.
In such a diverse sector, working out the best way of making a reality of this two-way dialogue will require the constructive input and expertise of a wide range of organisations and individuals. We are committed to making it happen, and we believe that services will benefit as a result.
The early years are crucially important to children, to families and to communities. Now is the time for the whole sector to pull together. We need to make the most of this opportunity to build a stronger sector that is better placed to offer the vital support that we know children and families need.
Anne Longfield, chief executive, 4Children
MOULDY OLDIES
Could I please point out that 'fallen leaves' take a very long time to break down in ordinary compost ('Wasting time', 10 March).
Ideally, they should be rotted separately. Fill plastic bin bags with fallen autumn leaves, pour in a little water, tie up the bags, pierce them all over and leave for at least two years to rot down into wonderful, nutritious leaf-mould. They can, of course, be inspected occasionally to see how things are progressing.
Mary Whiting, London
Write to: The Editor, Nursery World, 174 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7JP; letter.nw@haymarket.com, 020 8267 8401.