OFSTED visit tomorrow - beyond nervous...

**DebQ** · 13-01-2013, 10:04 AM

Eek!!

Bag of nerves doesn't cover it! - Started my initial training a year ago and completed everything at the end of last June and because of one thing and another (chasing up references, work on house etc) sent my forms off in November (which ended up as a trauma because they were returned as OFSTED said I hadn't completed my training... another story...)

Anyway....

Got a phone call last Tuesday telling me he was coming out to inspect tomorrow - this has been the most stressful week as everything feels so long ago! - Am really panicking. Going through all my training material and answering the question booklet to try and prepare myself but am so scared he's just going to say I'm not ready or something.

Don't expect any replies - just venting away (while completing questionnaire, while finalising policies, while tidying house... Lol!!)

**sarah707** · 13-01-2013, 10:26 AM

You'll be fine! Just take it one question at a time and shout if any of them don't make sense.

Don't forget to let us know how you get on!

**dette** · 13-01-2013, 10:46 AM

good luck xxx

**blue bear** · 13-01-2013, 01:10 PM

Stop panicking, they are not out to trip you up relax, things will come flowing back. I read it as your initial registration visit or is it your first graded inspection? Either way you will be fine, they are hardly ever as bad as we imagine them

**mrstom** · 13-01-2013, 02:22 PM

I agree with everything everyone else has said. RELAX!! Easier said that done, I know. I was a nervous wreck on my pre-reg visit - it's the fear of the unknown and your first brush with Ofsted so you're bound to be nervous. Didn't help on my inspection that she arrived early and sat on the driveway for 10-15 mins before knocking on the door! I didn't know whether to pop out and wave to her or what!

Unless you're majorly unsuitable to look after children and are planning to shackle them in the cellar or have absolutely no idea that the EYFS exists, you'll be registered by this time tomorrow!

Have all your paperwork with you and if you feel you can't answer a question, just look at it to refresh yourself. You can't be expected to know the EYFS inside out before you start working and they're not there to trip you up.

You'll be fine

Oh and don't overdose on the caffeine. My inspection was at 12.00 and I'd been drinking coffee all morning - not good for the nerves

**MISSYL20** · 13-01-2013, 04:22 PM

You will be fine it's honestly nothing to worry about. I did my initial training 2 years ago and only registered in nov due to pregnancy and moving location etc so was sooooo nervous. Basically all she did was go through my file, she didn't ask me any questions just assured herself that I knew about this and that whilst I just nodded. I think I asked her more questions and she told me bits I needed to amend and had a look around the house. I lost sleep over her coming out I'm more anxious now about my first inspection I have no idea where to start with the EYFS as I didn't do any of this on my training and they are hot on it now :-/

**Katie1980** · 13-01-2013, 06:36 PM

Good luck, I am just completing my registration, first aid is last to go which I finish next week so it will be a call to Ofsted and say it is done, I have people waiting on my registration so am hoping it is soon.
You will be fine and echo everyone else you will be registered this time tomorrow and you will be wondering what you are worried about. I am sure you will be fine.

Keep us updated xx