SEF question

**Cazz** · 04-01-2010, 11:48 PM

Do you have to complete your SEF before your first inspection?

I have to admit I haven't even looked at it and although I can vaguely remember getting a letter through the post about it, I don't even know how to access it?

If you're going to say you need that letter what can I do if I can't find it? I had quite a big clear out before Christmas and there's every chance it may have got accidentally thrown out

I'm getting myself in enough of a state about my imminent inspection as it is without panicking about my sef

**Zoomie** · 05-01-2010, 12:08 AM

you don't have to do but it is better if you can do some form of self reflection ...

if you contact ofsted i am sure they can send access info out again.

**Blaze** · 05-01-2010, 12:10 AM

I would also highly recommend buying Sarah's ebook on the subject!

**Adiamond** · 05-01-2010, 09:26 AM

Hi, I have had my first inspection recently and I never filled in my SEF

. My inspector did ask why I hadn't and I just replied that I felt as though I hadn't been working as a childminder long enough and didn't have enough experience just yet to answer the questions it was asking and she then said that absolutley fine I can understand that

. HTH x x

**little miss chatterbox** · 05-01-2010, 09:50 AM

i lost my letter with the details so I emailed ofsted and they sent them back out again! I have also bought Sarah's e book just haven't done the sef yet - i need to but keep putting it off!

**Ripeberry** · 05-01-2010, 09:55 AM

I've got my codes, a big file with Sarah's e-book and a blank SEF, but it's just getting down to it! I've spent most of the holidays, re-doing my policies and reviewing them, also getting to grips with the learning journeys.
You can just guess who will be up until the early hours when Ofsted ring

**jibberjitz** · 05-01-2010, 10:58 AM

When my inspector rang she asked me if I had completed it and I hadn't and she just told me to complete what I could and she would read through it on the day. I just hand wrote in the boxes and staggered a guess a what grade I was!!

HTH,

Liz

**beccas** · 05-01-2010, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Blaze

I would also highly recommend buying Sarah's ebook on the subject!

Buy this e book of sarah 707 you wont regret it.

**Cazz** · 05-01-2010, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by jessiebessie

Hi, I have had my first inspection recently and I never filled in my SEF

. My inspector did ask why I hadn't and I just replied that I felt as though I hadn't been working as a childminder long enough and didn't have enough experience just yet to answer the questions it was asking and she then said that absolutley fine I can understand that

. HTH x x

When I'm up to date with the rest of the paperwork I will start on the SEF if they haven't phoned (providing I can find that letter!). I'm hoping it's going to be a few more weeks yet before my inspection but you never know

**Cazz** · 05-01-2010, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by Ripeberry

I've got my codes, a big file with Sarah's e-book and a blank SEF, but it's just getting down to it! I've spent most of the holidays, re-doing my policies and reviewing them, also getting to grips with the learning journeys.
You can just guess who will be up until the early hours when Ofsted ring

Will this be your first grading inspection? I notice you've been registered since January 09 - I thought you had one in the first six months. I wouldn't mind if they wait for a year for me though - I might actually know what I'm doing by then!

**mama2three** · 05-01-2010, 03:58 PM

my reg came through in sept too (24th). really hoping ( needing!!) another month or so to be ready. I come onto the laptop with all good intentions , and then chat on here! Oh dear! no hope for me then. can i just settle for a 'good childminder with pants paperwork' grading??

**Paws** · 05-01-2010, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by beccas

Buy this e book of sarah 707 you wont regret it.

Could you put a link to this please? I think I need to invest...

**Cazz** · 05-01-2010, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by mama2three

my reg came through in sept too (24th). really hoping ( needing!!) another month or so to be ready. I come onto the laptop with all good intentions , and then chat on here! Oh dear! no hope for me then. can i just settle for a 'good childminder with pants paperwork' grading??

That sums me up as well! Can we campaign for a new grading?

**mama2three** · 05-01-2010, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by Paws

Could you put a link to this please? I think I need to invest...

not a link , but its knutsford childminding.co.uk then click on books for sale. fairly sure its no 18. hth x

**Paws** · 05-01-2010, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by mama2three

not a link , but its knutsford childminding.co.uk then click on books for sale. fairly sure its no 18. hth x

Found it, bought it! Thank you!

**Tink** · 05-01-2010, 05:29 PM

My network co-ordinator told me that if you don't complete the SEF Ofsted see it that you are not organised, and come to your home at a satisfactory level, where as if you do it they come in at a good level and take it from there.

I found it really easy and straight forward so good luck and sell yourself.