I was amazed to see in my local paper that an OTSTED registered childminder has been arrested, charged and convicted of theft of over £13,000 and according to the report she is being allowed to continue as a childminder. She received a suspended sentence.I did have faith in the processes that child care professionals go through but this seems really wrong. I also understand that this individual abandoned her own children and husband to set up house with her then boyfriend her now husband. Yet dispite this she was deemed a fit person to look after other peoples children.
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The key issue is: Did her history indicate a danger to children?
Leaving her own children in the care of a competent parent is not child endangerment.
Regarding the theft, she recieved a suspended sentence, so the court did not think that her crime was that grevious.
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About OFSTED, "What we do"
(in Great Britain)
We inspect and regulate to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages.
The new Ofsted brings together the wide experience of four inspectorates to make a greater difference for every child, and for all young people and adult learners, in England. Their educational, economic and social well-being will promote our success as a country.
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This is your chance to make your views known and to influence OFSTED by answering a simple online survey.
This consultation ends on 14 February 2008.http://live.ofsted.gov.uk/surveys/childcareregister/Consultation for the publication of the register of childcare providers
What is the consultation about?
We are planning to publish more information about registered childcare providers to help parents make more informed choices when selecting childcare.
Currently, the Ofsted website shows:
* names and addresses of childcare providers, excluding childminders, and those providers who do not provide a service available to the general public and where to publish names and addresses is not in the parents or children's best interests, such as women's refuges
* inspection reports (including any complaints)
* conditions of registration.
Local authorities also provide information about registered childcare providers, including name, area and contact details for providers; vacancies and opening times; and school pickup points.
We propose a more comprehensive register of childcare providers, which would include the information listed in question 2. Your feedback will help us to decide what to publish.
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Any caregiver being considered as a nanny or babysitter to your children should undergo a criminal background search. We have all heard horror stories about a caregiver who has abused or neglected the children in their care, and some people have had experience, either as a child or a parent, with a caregiver who was not what they seemed. A criminal background search can help you find the right candidate and eliminate any subjects who have a criminal history, which can help you minimize the risks to your children.
In the USA, a private sector (non governmental) Pre Employment Screen Background Checks include: Verification of identity, SSN, employment history, education, and address history. Checks State and county criminal records, sexual offender, terrorist watch, credit check, bankruptcy. (Federal criminal records available.) Matched by name & birthday
