Ofsted Health Assessment

skibadee

I have for many years suffered with Affective Disorder.....Anxiety/Panic Attacks/Depression, this was escalated when I was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago.

The medication I take is.....Diazepam 2mg as and when needed, Citalopram 20-40mg daily, Zolpidem 5-10mg nightly.

I have worked in childcare for 20 years and am a qualified nursery nurse.

In February this year I started a new job as a childminders assistant, I completed both DBS and Ofsted suitability applications, both were cleared and a certificate of suitability issued in February by Ofsted.

Three weeks ago I received a health questionnaire from Ofsted which both my GP and myself had to complete and return, I contacted Ofsted and asked why I had been sent this and apparently 'something' was flagged on my original application in January, but for some reason, which nobody there seems to be able to explain or understand it has taken until now for it to be addressed.

My GP stated that I was mentally fit to do my job and my problems are controlled, however Ofsted and have now requested that I attend a face to face medical assessment on 24th June with their Health Management, after which they will decide my suitability....( bearing in my mind they are basically over turning their original decision 4 months later ).

The only reason I can imagine for this is because of my medication I found the below on their website....

Childminders must ensure that no person smokes, or consumes or is under the influence of drugs (including medication that may have an adverse effect on the individual’s ability to provide childcare) or alcohol: on the premises at any time while childcare is provided, or in the presence of a child receiving childcare.

Has anyone had such a assessment or have any information that could help. Thank you.

ohreally

The national standards inform..

childminders and assistants are suitable, both mentally and physically, to care for children;

I would guess psychiatric history has aroused some level of concern.

skibadee

okay, but as its low level, how do you feel this will affect my suitability?

ohreally

That would be for the regulator to satisfy.

My guess is that should some incident occur how would they absolve themselves of any blame given they held concern in the past.

skibadee

But my GP has told them I am capable of doing my job, my employer agrees and this is the first time this has ever flagged, my last check was in 2010 nothing has changed since then?
Though I have noticed on their website something seem to of been updated in 2013?