M v Ofsted

M v Ofsted

The appellant is not suitable to be registered as a childminder due to repeated safeguarding failures, lack of candour and honesty with the regulator, and an inadequate response to a serious safeguarding allegation. The decision to cancel registration was lawful, necessary, and proportionate to protect children and public confidence. The appellant's conduct demonstrated a lack of understanding of safeguarding and an unwillingness to accept responsibility, justifying cancellation under the statutory framework.

Parties
Appellant: Mrs M; Respondent: Ofsted
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 December 2025
Procedural Posture
Statutory Appeal (childcare Registration Cancellation) / Final Judgment After Full Hearing
Outcome
Appeal dismissed; cancellation of registration confirmed.
Legal Topics
Suitability of Childcare Provider, Safeguarding Children, Statutory Framework Compliance, Proportionality of Regulatory Action, Notification Requirements, Honesty and Integrity in Regulatory Context
Administrative Law Childcare Regulation Safeguarding Suitability of Childcare Provider Safeguarding Children Statutory Framework Compliance Proportionality of Regulatory Action Notification Requirements +1 more

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Parties

Mrs M

Appellant

Ofsted

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Statutory Appeal (childcare Registration Cancellation) / Final Judgment After Full Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the appellant remains suitable to be a registered childminder under the Childcare Act 2006 and associated regulations
  2. 2 Whether Ofsted's decision to cancel registration was lawful, necessary, and proportionate
  3. 3 Whether the appellant failed to comply with statutory notification and safeguarding requirements

Ratio Decidendi

The appellant is not suitable to be registered as a childminder due to repeated safeguarding failures, lack of candour and honesty with the regulator, and an inadequate response to a serious safeguarding allegation. The decision to cancel registration was lawful, necessary, and proportionate to protect children and public confidence. The appellant's conduct demonstrated a lack of understanding of safeguarding and an unwillingness to accept responsibility, justifying cancellation under the statutory framework.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; cancellation of registration confirmed.

Orders

  • The decision to cancel the appellant's registration as a childminder is confirmed.
  • The appeal is dismissed.