Hi,

I have been registered since June but only been minding 1 child full time since October so when Ofsted come will be 3 months in.

They are coming either Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. I am so nervous, feel my paperwork will let me down cos I'll be honest it's one big headache for me as I don't know if I'm doing right.

My minded child is a girl who is coming up to 10 months old, was planning on doing a treasure basket activity but I know from previous times we have done it it won't keep her occupied for long so what else can I do ? Ofsted arriving at 10am and baby has lunch at 12 and in bed at 12.30 so need to entertain for 2 hours.

Please help and reassure me it isnt as bad as I think - just hate the thought of being observed, makes me feel unnatural if that makes sense.

Also been reading on here about starting points ?? Not sure if i've done that ? I have a tracker book that bought from QED Publications that I gave to the parents who highlight and dated when she was doign stuff - is this ok ?

TIA

Jenny x

Hi, I also registered in the summer and have been looking after one little boy, 2 days per week since October. I had my first Ofsted inspection yesterday.
All I can say is it wasn't as bad as I expected- just try and relax and do the things as you would normally do when the inspector isn't there.
The little boy that I look after is 15m and my daughter is 16m, I also was panicking about having an activity for them but I spoke to my Childminder Development Worker and she set my mind at rest- at such a young age you cant really plan an activity as such as they have such a sort attention span! It's better to lay out some interesting toys and let they play, you can then join in when necessary but also give them the space to explore and have fun! I wrapped up a load of old boxes with different Christmas wrapping paper and let them build, throw them about and shake them (some I filled with pasta shaped etc so that they made different noises). They played with them for a few mins and then went off to do their own thing.
My inspector gave me some really useful advice on things that I could do to improve and she was defiantly there to give help and advice rather that being out to get you!
I also stressed about my paperwork and spent the 4 days beforehand burning the midnight oil to try and get it all I order, some of the things I did she didn't even look at!
As longs as you have the compulsory things in place and your not a complete dragon with the children I'm sure you will be fine!

It's not about keeping the children occupied - it's about you continuing with your normal daily routine so the inspector can see how you interact with them and make their days full of fun, excitement and learning.

You'll be fine! Just do what you normally do and know the children enjoy. If you change things they will react to the changes and it won't work.

Good luck! :D