Level 3's

[Guest toddleo]

We are a charity pre school and have a leader (level 3), a deputy (level 3) and an assistant currentlyworking towards level 3. All our other staff are uinqualified.

 

What is the requirement in Ofsted's eyes as far as levlel 3 staff are required, i.e if. say, the leader was off sick, is it OK to run with the remaining level 3 in charge and the working towards level 3 assisting?

 

I believe that this is fine, but wanted to pick your brains to make sure.

[Rea]

I think that fine toddleo. Its how things were when I was a deputy, both assistants were working towards the level 3 together.

[Helen]

It depends how many staff are working simultaneously. If you are a sessional care setting, the standards state that half of all staff must be level 2 minimum. Does your person working towards level 3, have level 2 at the moment?

 

If so, then you could have your level 3 in charge, your working towards level 3 assisting, and two other unqualified staff; that would be OK, but you couldn't have more than two others who are unqualified.

 

If you are classed as full daycare, then the manager has to be level 3 with two years experience, and 50% of the remaining staff must be level 2.

 

[Guest]

we have been told to ring the OFSTED helpline with such queries and document their response, dates and names as evidence!