First of the 'pilot' cake rated inspections

[Penny1959]

Dear Childminder Smiley,

How refreshing to have a childminder volunteer toi have an early inspection. Under our previous format with Ofsted this never happen (well apart from that woman from Kidderminster who always volunteers for everything) any way it must be proof of the success of our new inspection format

You may have heard that we are thinking of introducing a two tier system - and as you are so keen and clearly are relflective and undertake CPD I will come out to pilot the new 2 tier grade system?

You will of course have to show how your 2 tier cake is worthy of being graded outstanding and I have to say not only does your cake have to be outstanding but all the children must be making exceptional progress in their own cake skills development - all areas of course

I await your response

Inspector

Penny

[Smiley]

Dear Inspector Penny

I am thrilled to be involved in the new 2 tier pilot and I am confident that I can provide you with evidence of my skills.*
Everyday this week the children have been practicing their balancing skills in order to achieve the positioning of the 2nd tier. I can assure you all areas of learning are covered and the next steps are eat more cake and always share with the inspector.

Looking forward to your visit*
Childminder Smiley

[Mouse]

Dear Inspector
Although I was only inspected 3 months ago, could you please bring my inspection forward as I have been undertaking huge amounts of continuous professional development to improve my cake making skills.

I have completed my Sieving efficiently form (SEF) as this procedure results in outstanding outcomes.
I am extremely reflective - always considering how I can introduce new resources such as sprinkles, chocolate chips and icing.
My capacity to improve is outstanding as I complete cake baking sessions everyday.

I look forward to your visit, please could you bring your own gateaux fork as we eat with our hands!

A post to truely warm your heart

After all the uncertainty, childminder dissatisfaction and lack of general mojo in the childminding world, how wonderful to see a childminder taking her work seriously, throwing herself into self improvement and taking real pleasure in what she does.
This new type of inspection has done more to lift the spirits of childminders than any other suggestion we've heard so far.

Three cheers for cake related inspections

[miffy]

I think I could enjoy this type of inspection

Penny - that is a lovely photo

Miffy xx

[scoobydoo1]

I think an Action should have happened so you could go back when the cake (hopefully another one by then or it might be stale) has buttercream, so that you can do a full assessment of the situation x

[Playmate]

Please Mrs Inspector, can I keep my outstanding grading if I promise to make you a chocolate cake with pink icing in the shape of a 3?

[Penny1959]

Please Mrs Inspector, can I keep my outstanding grading if I promise to make you a chocolate cake with pink icing in the shape of a 3?

Is that bribary childminder Playmate - seeing as I have seen a photo to tempt me?

tut tut - but yes - mind you - you will need to do a 5 as well to put in front of the 3


Penny

[miffy]

Is that bribary childminder Playmate - seeing as I have seen a photo to tempt me?

tut tut - but yes - mind you - you will need to do a 5 as well to put in front of the 3


Penny

Surely you mean AFTER the 3!

Miffy xx

[Playmate]

Surely you mean AFTER the 3!

Miffy xx

Bribe BRIBE! me, would I?

If I can keep my grade I will make a 5 and put it where ever you like

[Penny1959]

Surely you mean AFTER the 3!

Miffy xx

As an inspector I have to be truthful (and if I wasn't my body tells the truth)

So 5 before the 3 it is.


Penny

[Playmate]

As an inspector I have to be truthful (and if I wasn't my body tells the truth)

So 5 before the 3 it is.


Penny

53 it is then

[georgie456]

Following on from the previous thread about agencies and using the cake grading system - I decided that as ET herself has said I could become an'agency' - I would pilot it today.

So to set the scene

Inspector - Penny1959 registered childminder - ( to test out the theory if could carry out an inspection / support visit while childminding - 4 x two year olds in her care)

Childminder being inpspected / supported Carol M (3 children attending)

Location Arley Arboretum

Inspection report - can not really say much prior to lunch time as to busy with my 4 - especially one with attachment difficulties.

Lunch time Carol provided a lovely healthy lunch (I think - didn't really take much notice - as the needs of the 4 in my care had to come first

Cake insopection - took full notice here - as of course a bit like paperwork now this is the deciding factor.

Home made chocolate cake skills - excellent texture and taste - could have been improved with some butter cream but Carol's reason of it being too hot for butter cream - so for cake itself Oustanding

Helping children achieve cake eating skills

Four year old - excellent - ate quickly- no waste - wanted more
Two year old (ish) - lost a few marks as child did not want any - but Carol did not insist or force child to eat cake
One year old - excellent age and stage appropriate pulling apart of cake, stuffing in mouth, and making a mess.


So overall - Outstanding

Room for improvement- povide larger slice of cake for inspector at next inspection

Feedback from childminder

'I have had a lovely day' (hug for inspector) 'thank you'

Inspector feedback

I think the pilot went really well - and having taken on board feedback comments from Heven Scent - yes we can save money by inspecting our best friends - so less milage and no hotel costs.


And for the record this is where the inspection took place - I think sums up childminding at its best.

I think this is quite possibly my favourite post I've EVER read on here.

Amazing!

Oh and, *whispers* For the record, I am known for my outstanding cake-making skills.......

[Twinkles]

Oh and, *whispers* For the record, I am known for my outstanding cake-making skills.......

Cake making ??

Uh oh I thought we were being tested on cake eating skills




*mutters darkly into beard and looks for best Fanny Cradock recipe *

[ajs]

Cake making ??

Uh oh I thought we were being tested on cake eating skills




*mutters darkly into beard and looks for best Fanny Cradock recipe *

Not sure I want to know about your beard thank you

[Penny1959]

Cake making ??

Uh oh I thought we were being tested on cake eating skills




*mutters darkly into beard and looks for best Fanny Cradock recipe *

Twinkles - you are getting confused - it must be the beard or the very old cook book.

When in role of childminder you make cake to be eaten and judged by inspector.

However I thought you had applied for the post of quality control - wwhich does involve eating cake - I am still waiting for your CV on cake grading skills.

[Babycat]

Quite frankly I'm dissapointed.. no mention of a cake LJ? surely it has one?

[Penny1959]

Quite frankly I'm dissapointed.. no mention of a cake LJ? surely it has one?

Thank you for your question Childminder Babycat
Luckily LJ's are not required under the new system - On instruction from her who knows everything - ET herself - we have tried to keep it as close as we can to the EYFS (Sept 12) as we know you childminders get confused and some of you really can not understand the writing in books and the like. ET says that for a simple life and to save precious time during inspections - we should concentrate on ensuring that the cake is up to standard - after all she ensures us that cooking cake and serving coffee are things you are good at - and can do while the children watch TV.

Of course it is up to you - if you want you can do LJ's - but we really don't have the time to look at them - we must complete the inspection as quick as possible because ET wants a good return on her idea - so yes of course quality does count - but not at the expense of saving money / making a profit.

Inspector Penny

[Carol M]

Thank you for your question Childminder Babycat
Luckily LJ's are not required under the new system - On instruction from her who knows everything - ET herself - we have tried to keep it as close as we can to the EYFS (Sept 12) as we know you childminders get confused and some of you really can not understand the writing in books and the like. ET says that for a simple life and to save precious time during inspections - we should concentrate on ensuring that the cake is up to standard - after all she ensures us that cooking cake and serving coffee are things you are good at - and can do while the children watch TV.

Of course it is up to you - if you want you can do LJ's - but we really don't have the time to look at them - we must complete the inspection as quick as possible because ET wants a good return on her idea - so yes of course quality does count - but not at the expense of saving money / making a profit.

Inspector Penny

OMG, and my cake LJ's are extensive. I spend hours writing them up and linking them to the development of cake criteria, tracking their progress from ingredients to becoming a well rounded ( or square, oblong,heart or hexagonal) cake , able to go out into the world and enjoy being wonderful.
All that work, and for what? might as well chuck them in the bin, LJ not cake.
So to save precious time and for a simple life from Sept 12 I won't bother with LJ's.
Carol xx

[Penny1959]

OMG, and my cake LJ's are extensive. I spend hours writing them up and linking them to the development of cake criteria, tracking their progress from ingredients to becoming a well rounded ( or square, oblong,heart or hexagonal) cake , able to go out into the world and enjoy being wonderful.
All that work, and for what? might as well chuck them in the bin, LJ not cake.
So to save precious time and for a simple life from Sept 12 I won't bother with LJ's.
Carol xx

Childminder Carol

You must be one of the rare childminders - the ones who can understand the writen word. This means that under the two tier system - provided you can produce the two tier cake - you should keep your records - because once the pilot on Childminder Smiley has been carried out (and no reason to assume she won't produce an excellent two tier cake) - all the outstanding childminders will be able to choose to be inspected by Ofsted - for a large fee to the cake inspectors (to ensure we say you are outstanding) - which can be paid in installments of 1 large fruit cake or 2 sponges a month to us PLUS the Ofsted fee.

Childminder Babycat - sorry if we have confused you - but I am sure you will understand how hard it is to decide on somthing and stick to it. ET loves to throw different ideas at us every day - and to be honest - we inspectors don't actually know what she is going to say next !


Inspector Penny

[Babycat]

No confusion, loving the banter- although I have a feeling your fee may have to go up to cover the cost of gym memberships to work of said cake of course this would be a view supported by ET afterall she does want us to make more money !!boy im glad im in Scotland :-p