A childminder in Brentwood has said that she “took it personally” after Ofsted decided her service was 'inadequate' after a visit.

Rowland Jane in London Road was visited by the education regulator on November 23.

In a report published on January 2, she was given Ofsted’s lowest rating - a downgrade from 'good' at the previous inspection.

It gave her an 'inadequate' grade for quality of education, personal development and leadership and management.

She was rated 'requires improvement' for the behaviour and attitudes criteria.

The inspector said the childminder had “insufficient knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children in relation to allegations about adults working with children and household members.”

Ofsted wrote that Ms Jane does not keep accurate attendance records and does not have enough understanding of when to notify it. This, an inspector said, compromises children’s welfare.

However, Ms Jane has disputed these claims and said she filed a formal complaint with Ofsted when she received the report.

She told the Recorder she felt the inspector made a "bad judgement" of her services without “knowing anything about her” or taking into consideration the feelings of the children she has looked after.

Read More: Preschool in Harold Hill gets 'inadequate' Ofsted rating

She said: “Ofsted think they are some kind of gods that turned up at my house without any notice and in six hours decided I was inadequate.

“I took this personally as she (the inspector) could clearly see the children are so looked after, well cared for and my parents absolutely love and respect me as I do them."

According to Ofsted, Ms Jane does not ensure that children in her care receive the level of education to which they are entitled, and they lack “stimulation in their play and learning”.

“She fails to implement a curriculum that is focused on children's needs and next steps in learning. Activities provided are not planned with children's individual needs or development levels in mind”, an inspector wrote.

Ms Jane said she has received a bronze service award from childcare.co.uk, holds a public liability insurance and has certificates in child protection in early years settings - safeguarding level 3 and in full paediatric first aid. She shared a copy of these with our paper.

The Ofsted report did say that Ms Jane has gathered extensive knowledge of the backgrounds for children that have attended the setting for some time.

It cited an example of Ms Jane providing support to the parents if they have temporary transport issues. Parents, an inspector said, shared positive feedback about the childminder and she keeps them informed about their children’s day.

According to Ms Jane, Ofsted spoke to two parents whilst with her and they “sang her praises”.

But she claimed the inspector “dismissed the glowing references they both said”.

She felt Ofsted "has no right to judge someone in five to six hours unless there was a very good reason".

Ms Jane accused Ofsted of ignoring her complaint and says they make people "feel inadequate". 

The Recorder contacted Ofsted, and a spokesperson said they quality assure all their inspections carefully, and take all complaints seriously.

A full copy of the report can be found on this link: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/17/EY299266