The Early Years Podcast Episode 005
"BARRED!" with Debbie Alcock of Influential Childcare Training, January 2016In the fifth episode of the Early Years Podcast, we’re joined by Debbie Alcock of Influential Childcare Training.
This one is essential listening.
In any line of work, things can go wrong… sometimes with serious consequences. There are things we can do to minimise that risk – but first, we have to fully appreciate our responsibilities.
That’s what we explore today, with a focus on Debbie’s forthcoming book, “Barred: a must have guide to childcare disqualifications”. (I’m fortunate enough to have preview copy and, if you have any sort of responsibility for a childcare setting, it is essential reading).
We cover:
- Debbie’s interesting journey in childcare
- The importance of understanding your responsibilities (as well as some of the difficulties in understanding your responsibilities!)
- DBS checks: benefits and limitations
- the content of Debbie’s forthcoming book: “Barred: a must have guide to childcare disqualifications”
- simple tips to minimise your risk
- places you can go to get support from childcare peers
Have a listen, share it with your friends and colleagues and let us know what you think.
As always, we hope you enjoy listening.
I strongly related to this : we crashed from Outstanding to Inadequate (Leadership) because we had a long-standing employee who became “Disqualified By Association”. Social Services had actually told her she didn’t need to tell us.
She had been with us for 10 years before she moved in with her boyfriend who had a record for an ‘incident’ over 10 years previous when he was 15 with a girl of the same age.
When I protested to Ofsted, that our employee had been cleared by CRB/DBS only 3 months previously – the response from OFSTED was actually “more fool you for trusting CRB/DBS”
I will buy the book to find out the non-DBS 6 points …
Hi Keith,
The book will go live in one week You will receive notification.
Just completing the QA and final design tweaks.
See you at the next #Ofsted Big Conversation meet.
Catriona
I am an owner and manager of two Montessori Preschools on the Isle of Wight and I feel that I am under a constant burden of worry over what I actually need to know and do all the time to satisfy legislation and Ofsted. Please can you point me in the direction of any training for managers to help me get it right. I also am very keen to get hold of a copy of Debbie Alcock’s book ‘Barred’ but cannot find it on the Neytco website?
Hi Jacqueline,
See my reply to Keith.
Re training – Debbie can help with that, just give her a call or email her.
Best wishes,
Catriona
Hi Jacqui
I am doing regulatory training on 29th April in Brighton. This may be a bit far for you but it will cover all the legal issues you need to be aware of and does include disqualification but obviously not in as much depth as my book as disqualification is just one of the ever increasing complexities of the law you need to understand. If you are interested email me at
debbie.alcock@influentialcct.co.uk
Hi Both. Thanks for your comments. I’ve alerted Debbie and I’m sure she’ll have something to add.
Jacquelin – the book should be out very soon. We’ll make sure to let everyone know on twitter when we hear. For your questions about training, your best bet is to contact Debbie directly – her contact details are on http://www.influentialcct.co.uk
Sorry for the delay in responding. Your comments were filtered into the spam. (Still learning the new habits we need to get this working efficiently!) . Thanks again.
Thank you for the comments I am shortly doing regulatory training for owners and managers in Brighton if you can get there as this helps providers to understand the kind of accidental errors that Keith suffered. The disqualifications have been in place since 2008 and is why Ofsted do not allow ignorance of this significantly complex issue to be taken onto account.
I really feel for those who have not been able to get the help they need. But do contact me as I have lots of different ways I can help.
Debbie Alcock’s book is a must read. Disqualification is a real threat and everyone in the EY sector needs to have a much greater awareness and practical understanding of the rules and pitfalls. Debbie’s book has come along at just the right time. A comprehensive, factual and trusted source.
High quality service providers are at risk due to lack of knowledge. Debbie wants to take this burden off your shoulders and ensure you do not fall foul of the rules.
This is not an easy subject to grasp. It’s heavy lifting, but Debbie unlocks the key to the complex rules.