I am due to take 2 wks holiday next week (diy!). The Childminders in my area have all been told to expect unannounced inspections within the immediate future. Would I have to let them in if I were on holiday and the house was in chaos (joiner,carpet fitter etc.)? I normally clear out all the toys, posters etc. and put them in the attic for a child-free zone! If I am not working I dont see that they would want to come in anyway. What do others think?

I am not sure what you mean about expecting unannounced Ofsted inspections...

Ofsted are still, as far as I am aware, ringing people to check they are minding before turning up.

It is possible when eyfs starts that this will change but this is from September, not now.

It is unlikely an inspector will want to see you if you are not minding / on holiday as that would mean you can only be graded as satisfactory under the current system ... most are fair and would want you to have the very best chance of getting as good a grade as possible.

You are right though, if they turn up you are within your rights to say sorry, I'm in chaos / on holiday / not working this week... but as I say, it is highly unlikely they will unless whoever has given you the information knows something nobody else does.

Hope this helps... enjoy your holiday :D

Ofsted are allowed to enter any premises registered for childcare if you are on the premises or not, IF they have reason to suspect that minded children are on the premises and under threat.

So they could demand to come in and check no children are present, but could not force you to have an inspection.:)

Thankyou for advice. I am in Scotland so it is slightly different with the Care Commission. We have been informed to expect an unannounced inspection within four weeks of filling in our on-line self-assessments & mine was completed nearly 3 months ago and I am still waiting. The other Childminders in my area are all in the same boat & playing the waiting game. It seems to depend on what area you live in here as a friend who lives in a neighbouring town got 2 wks notice - how fair is that? whereas another friend got half an hours notice & the C.C. Officer had been sitting outside her house!

I think if i was your friend i would have had a sudden attack of the plague:)

Or the type of flu that we learnt about in the Flu Pandemic workshop, no one can come into the house then.:panic:

I know what you mean but what made it even worse was the inspector said she had bought the house across the road! Aaaaaargh..........

OMG!!!, still hopefully inspector wouldnt want to upset new neighbour with bad grade!:laughing:

how horrible she has a spy in the camp

veronicaxx

I know what you mean but what made it even worse was the inspector said she had bought the house across the road! Aaaaaargh..........

OMG - nightmare!

Miffy xx