My new registration certificate came through early Feb. I know Ofsted say they will visit 4-6 months from registration, but I have heard of them coming as early as 10/11 weeks after registration (Eeek!).
How likely is this?

I'm all sorted with the house, but still tweaking my EYFS paperwork and various other, non essential things.

I'm hoping I'm 'safe' until June-ish, but I just want to check that I'm right and not likely to get a nasty surprise!

I think it all depends on your local inspectors and how busy they are. Ours are talking over 6 months at the moment

For me it was bang on 6 months when I got the call, I couldn't believe that 6 months had already passed, so my advice would be not to put things off and think you have plenty of time as you never know whats around the corner, 2 months after my registration my son had to have surgery with the decision only being made 2 weeks b4 by the surgeons which really put a spanner in the works for me and I was left feeling I had alot to catch up with. I know that's not a common thing to happen but time can fly by and every day life take over.

For me it was bang on 6 months when I got the call, I couldn't believe that 6 months had already passed, so my advice would be not to put things off and think you have plenty of time as you never know whats around the corner, 2 months after my registration my son had to have surgery with the decision only being made 2 weeks b4 by the surgeons which really put a spanner in the works for me and I was left feeling I had alot to catch up with. I know that's not a common thing to happen but time can fly by and every day life take over.

They contact you around 5-6 months and ask if you have mindee's. If you do then it is a visit within the week of contacting you. It is sudden so it is in your best interest to have everything ready and up to date.

sammy i haven't had an inspection for 4 years and 2 months :panic: I was due last Feb but knew it wouldn't be until the new 3 year cycle - which started last September. Still no phone call. I had my new certificate months ago too.

Thanks for the advice folks.

I now have in my paws a crisply printed copy of a rather good e-book entitled 'Ofsted Inspection Checklist' by a certain Ms S Neville. ;-)

Much of it has already been tackled, but some things need tweaking and improving. So my plan is to break it all down over the next two months. You know, like eating an elephant...

if I prioritise all the action points left to do and aim to be ready for early June, it should be ok.
I hope.

So - to clarify - please correct me if I am wrong:

There are TWO phone calls:

1) Are you working? (Ofsted HQ or Tribal presumably)

If Yes to above... within the next few days:

2) I might come round on X day (Mrs O)

? Ta

I only had the one phone call to ask do u have mindees, when I said yes she asked what days and then she said ok and told me what week but not day that she would come. I do know some people who have had two phone calls so that's what I was expecting and was a little in shock when she then arranged a week to visit.

Thank you - Sarah has warned me this might happen too.

It's good to know, to be prepared.

Last time (I have re-registered) I was completely clueless and got steamrollered into the worst day possible, because I was so taken aback by Mrs O's call.

I got an email from a team leader asking for children on my books and their usual times and days of attendance, that was on the Friday. I had a text on the Sunday night from the inspector telling me she'd be coming the next day.