Ofsted condemns ex-childminder guilty of touching girl

Philip Foster, of Green Road, Headington, was recently on trial at Oxford Crown Court.

After he was found guilty of inciting a female child to engage in sexual activity, an Ofsted spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with those affected by Philip Foster’s horrific crime.

“It is appalling to hear of any child being harmed by an individual who was meant to keep them safe. We have worked with the police to support their investigation and the judicial process.

“The vast majority of registered childcare in England is safe and of a high quality. However, when significant concerns are raised with us about a childcare provider, we will use our regulatory powers to take action.”

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The 49-year-old was charged with one count of inciting a female child to engage in sexual activity between August 1 2022 and December 21 2023.

He was also charged with rape of a female child during the same time period.

Foster pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

The court heard that Foster was working for a childminder’s at the time of the offence.

On Tuesday, April 7, a jury found him guilty of inciting a female child to engage in sexual activity. It could not reach a verdict on the charge of rape.

Foster was remanded into custody ahead of the next hearing on Tuesday, April 14, when the prosecution will decide if it wants to pursue a retrial on the charge of rape.