Hi everyone, I registered in September and have my first inspection next week, gulp!! A couple of questions please, do I need to have a locked cabinet for my contracts?
I have told parents that they are coming but I there wont be any parents dropping off or picking up while they are here, do I need anything from the parents? I sent out a
parent questionnaire before xmas so have that to hand to show Ofsted. Also did you make the inspector a cuppa??!! thanks everyone, starting to have sleepless nights now! xx

At my inspection last month, the inspector specifically asked did I keep permission forms, medical records etc in a locked box. I unlocked it in front of her to get them out (kept contracts separate, they aren't relevant to Ofsted).
You can ask parents if they want to write anything for the inspector. They don't have to, but can if they want to. One of mine had mislaid their daily diary, so offered to write a letter instead - which was lovely! If you've already got feedback from questionnaires, that should be fine.
I asked if she wanted a drink when I had one, at snack time and lunch time. So she had one when we did.
Good luck!

Mine asked me and I showed her my locked ncma box.

I offered her a drink after she arrived but said I could only get her a cold drink but could get her a hot drink once kids where in bed. She thanked me but declined the offer.

Good luck x

Relax and don't panic - breathe before answering - have self reflection to show - you'll be fine :D

I haven't got a locked box / cupboard :-( I keep all my contracts, permission forms, accident forms altogether in a lever arch file in my wall unit cupboard, I have inspection this week, panic now is this method ok or have I done it wrong :-(

Sarah's Jellytots x

Depends on how pedantic Mrs O is! I would go to Tescos and get a metal box file with lock to put them in (mine was only £5!) or put a lock on the cupboard.

The box I bought fits about 3 files, so you wouldnt have to re-file. ASDA, Whsmith, Sainsburys etc sell the boxes, but I found Tescos cheapest.

Been to tesco, only lockable box was £18.00 !! hubby going to see if he can get a lock for the wall unit !!!!

Sarah's Jellytots x

Wow, that's steep. Mine was 7.00 from Tesco!

:-( it was the big tesco to ! but hopefully hubby said he can get a gasp and clasp and a lock !!

I offered my inspector a hot drink - she sat at the table and drank it while we had snack. Nothing says that you cant just dont let the drink be put near or by the children :thumbsup:

Better still - serve it in a lidded cup! I have two. Major brownie points....

Hi everyone, I registered in September and have my first inspection next week, gulp!! A couple of questions please, do I need to have a locked cabinet for my contracts?
I have told parents that they are coming but I there wont be any parents dropping off or picking up while they are here, do I need anything from the parents? I sent out a
parent questionnaire before xmas so have that to hand to show Ofsted. Also did you make the inspector a cuppa??!! thanks everyone, starting to have sleepless nights now! xx

My contracts are kept upstairs in the spare room, I call my office! lol Not locked as the house is always locked.
A questionairre is great and my inspector asked, when arranging the visit, if I could ask the parents to write a letter to her to cover 'working with parents'. I asked them to write a letter/reference to include anything I had done to help them and to include any input on the planning they had found useful. Now it is stuck on my fridge! ;o)
Yes offered her a cuppa - then forgot it! lol
She reminded me a bit later on!
Hope that helps
Lu x

Hi had mine on tuesday, i offered her a cuppa and put it up high, i asked parents to write me reference ;letters which they all did and they were lovely, really made me feel appreciated, i have put them in my portfolio now to show prospective parents as they were so complimentary. Good luck am sure all will go well.

Hi everyone, well inspection went well got Good in all areas so very happy with that ! :) thanks to everyone for their help,the inspector didnt actually ask about where I store
my files etc after all that. She did ask me questions on safeguarding, partnership with parents, partnership with other settings, looked at my policies, risk assessments,
learning journals etc, total vist was about 3 hours. Just glad its done now! thanks again x

Well done you can relax for a while now.

Well done!

Well done.

Well done you. You can relax now.

Well done its a relief when its over isn't it

Fabulous well done you ;)

Hi, thanks everyone, yep such a relief its over, now Ive started my Level 3 so will keep me busy! x

Hi, thanks everyone, yep such a relief its over, now Ive started my Level 3 so will keep me busy! x

Well done you..... I have just started my level 3 - I feel as though I have exchanged preparing for Ofsted to sitting doing loads of coursework. How are you finding it? I have spent all weekend doing the child developmental chart. x

Well done you.

Well done you..... I have just started my level 3 - I feel as though I have exchanged preparing for Ofsted to sitting doing loads of coursework. How are you finding it? I have spent all weekend doing the child developmental chart. x

Hi TraceyC, finding it ok but only on the second unit, only time will tell, it is hard fitting it all in though have to be honest. x