Help with ofsted recommendation please.

[blue bear]

Just reading through my report ready for next inspection.
My recomendation was:
Increasing opportunities for parents to share their own ideas of ways to develop the effectiveness of the provision.

What do you think this means? I'm sure it made sense at the time.

[Twinkle-Toes]

I'd read it as lots of 2 way communication with parents on resources/activities etc

You could have a feedback/suggestions book that the parents could contribute to.

Regular newsletters detailing up and coming events and a bit inviting them to share their thoughts/ideas?

Sharing next steps and asking parents for their suggestions on activities etc

I may have got the wrong end of the stick though!!

[Sarahbelle]

What about a Parent Questionnaire?

[bunyip]

I use questionnaires regularly, but get few replies. Parents sometimes get shy about making comments/suggestions. They think it's going to be seen as criticism, even when you really need their suggestions to have something to work with. Worth telling parents that you really do need feedback which offers scope to demonstrate improvement and partnership working to Ofsted.

Sometimes I think it's worth not just doing something, but making it absolutely obvious to Ofsted when they call.

I have comments and suggestions pages bound into each child's diary. They're right at the back, so I thought Ofsted might miss them. Solution: on inspection day, a flourescent Post-It note attached to the relevent page with "look at me" on it. My inspector said that was actually quite helpful.

I also have comments slips by the door (with my certificates, in an artwork display hanger). Parents rarely pick them up, but they always have the opportunity. It also means they are right in the inspector's face when the time comes.

I would try to think of a simple eg of an occasion in which you changed your practice to accommodate a parental suggestion. Add it to your SEF if you've time, or just tell your inspector. Mine was really simple: a mum with an only child asked for more opportunities to socialise with other lo's, so we increased the number of toddler groups we attend.

[Chatterbox Childcare]

I just talk to my parents, morning, afternoon and a lot by email.