Ok, honesty time, I really need some SEF help and pointers for the right direction

**Marshmallow** · 10-11-2013, 04:17 PM

I am currently doing my Sef, but I'm sooo worried that I'm off track or just plain writing rubbish.
I so need some help

Who would you ask for help ? How did you manage ?

I'm left feeling illiterate and stupid

**cherry** · 10-11-2013, 05:32 PM

Best advice I can give you is to buy Sarah 707 ebook on SEF. This will really help. My Ofsted inspector was very impressed with my SEF and it was Sarah's ebook that helped a lot.

**AgentTink** · 10-11-2013, 05:35 PM

At the top of the forum is free resources, within there Sarah has written a fantastic prompt list which helps you keep focused on each question

Here is the link

SEF Prompt List

**sing-low** · 10-11-2013, 05:42 PM

I used Sarah's SEF prompt list and Mrs O said she was impressed by the detail that I'd put into it. It really helped my inspection and was also useful for me to think about what I do well and how I can improve.

**Tulip** · 10-11-2013, 11:26 PM

I've printed the SEF off it fab

thanks again Sarah x

**Marshmallow** · 11-11-2013, 09:49 AM

I guess the word 'evaluate ' confuses the hell out of me

**sarah707** · 11-11-2013, 05:46 PM

Have you seen this?

SEF Prompt List

**gef918** · 17-02-2014, 10:05 PM

I had 3 long meetings with my development worker, who was fantastic. I showed what I had done for my SEF and we discussed how I could improve it. After my Ofsted inspection last year, I credited her with my fantastic grade - don't think I would have done as well without her advice.

Filling out your SEF isn't just about creating paperwork for Ofsted, it's about thinking about what you're doing and how you're doing it. And, of course, how you can be doing it better!

**Mcgons** · 17-02-2014, 10:55 PM

Same as above, I would recommend Sarah's ebook too!

Just seen the prompt list she has also done, that looks good too.

**Macca3437** · 22-02-2014, 12:28 PM

I feel exactly the same about my SEF. I know what I do, I try a do a good job. I constantly looking at ways to improve my setting etc. Then I start the dreaded SEF and it all goes out the window. How can I answer the question if I don't even understand what its asking????
Why can't they just make it user friendly? We have enough to do without navigating through the SEF minefield as well.
Sorry didn't mean to hijack the thread, but once a started the rant I couldn't stop.
Anyway, I just download Sarah's prompt list which looks great. Its quite refreshing having it in plain English.
I keep thinking that the more I can put on my SEF the shorter my inspection will be. That is what drives me to do it. I hope that is the case at my inspection.
Best of luck

**cupcakencookie** · 22-02-2014, 08:49 PM

I'm doing my first SEF too (well have spent the last couple of weekends drinking lots of strong tea and thinking about it anyway!) I bought Sarahs ebook and am so glad I did - its brilliant and really clarifies what info Ofsted are asking for. Can't recommend it highly enough. Now all I need to do is motivate myself to make a start....off to put the kettle on again!