Big bullies

Childminder Susan Radcliffe is worried that she may have to stop looking after children. Pic with some of her charges left to right, Archie Green (8), Melody Topham (20 months), Abbie Irvine (3).

AN “outstanding” childminder has hit out at Ofsted after being told she cannot continue to look after children in her home due to her 16-year-old daughter’s mental health issues.

Susan Radcliffe’s daughter Catherine, who recently turned 16, is no longer “suitable to be around children” despite her diagnosis not causing an issue in the past.

Catherine was diagnosed with anxiety and depression more than five years ago as well as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder a few years later but has been receiving support from the Royal Oldham Hospital. Susan (49), who has been a childminder for 10 years, was rated “outstanding” for the second time at her Ofsted inspection in July, last year.

She says the education watchdog has known about Catherin’es condition for years and has never received any complaints about herself or Catherine.

Susan said: “It is ridiculous what they are doing to me.

“I have been told to ask my daughter to leave the family home or resign as a childminder.

“I don’t understand the difference one day makes, they didn’t mind when she was 15 as long as they were aware of her diagnosis.

“I kept Ofsted and all the parents informed and told them about the support she was receiving at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

“But now she is 16 she is deemed to be “unsuitable to be around children” despite there being no changes to her mental health since she turned 16.

Susan, who is currently completing a foundation degree in early years education, regularly looks after up to 10 children at her home in Shaw. She is now appealing Ofsted’s decision.

An Ofsted spokesman said: “We sympathise with the difficult situation. “However, it would be inappropriate to comment further while the complaint and appeal are ongoing.”
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