Hi all,

Don't often post but I thought I would share this as I have been on the edge since friday... A lady from Tribal called on Friday eve, in the middle of tidy up time so she kindly said she would call back in 30 minutes.... and she did, she informed me that my inspection is due (last one in 2009) so I knew it was coming.

Needless to say I went all faint and queesy, I literally haven't eaten or slept much since Friday, to top it off my son was ill and my daughter had scarlet fever on the following tuesday so I had to call to let them know, she was lovely about that. I believe it will be towards the end of next week now so I can relax for a little while.

I have been through absolute dread to feeling confident that I am doing a good job then back to feeling utterly sick. Don't get me wrong I have had loads of people saying I will be fine but it doens't stop you from feeling like that. I have also worked my backside off (hence lack of sleep) but I could not have got through these last few days without my closest childminder friends, I have two in particular who have offered help and resources where possible. They have sent messages saying they will help with whatever I need... how lovely is that!?

So, it's coming....I can not stop it nor do I want to.... either way I will find out what I can do to improve and get cracking.. in a strange way even after the sick feeling I get in my stomach when I think about it I am looking forward to it.

I want to say a BIG thank you to the lovely boys and girls who add things to the free downloads section on this forum, some very useful stuff and the guidance is amazing!!

I will let you know how I get on, but first impressions of the lady from tribal are good, she sounded nice. Finger's crossed. x

You will be fine im sure

Hi all, Don't often post but I thought I would share this as I have been on the edge since friday... A lady from Tribal called on Friday eve, in the middle of tidy up time so she kindly said she would call back in 30 minutes.... and she did, she informed me that my inspection is due (last one in 2009) so I knew it was coming. Needless to say I went all faint and queesy, I literally haven't eaten or slept much since Friday, to top it off my son was ill and my daughter had scarlet fever on the following tuesday so I had to call to let them know, she was lovely about that. I believe it will be towards the end of next week now so I can relax for a little while. I have been through absolute dread to feeling confident that I am doing a good job then back to feeling utterly sick. Don't get me wrong I have had loads of people saying I will be fine but it doens't stop you from feeling like that. I have also worked my backside off (hence lack of sleep) but I could not have got through these last few days without my closest childminder friends, I have two in particular who have offered help and resources where possible. They have sent messages saying they will help with whatever I need... how lovely is that!? So, it's coming....I can not stop it nor do I want to.... either way I will find out what I can do to improve and get cracking.. in a strange way even after the sick feeling I get in my stomach when I think about it I am looking forward to it. I want to say a BIG thank you to the lovely boys and girls who add things to the free downloads section on this forum, some very useful stuff and the guidance is amazing!! I will let you know how I get on, but first impressions of the lady from tribal are good, she sounded nice. Finger's crossed. x

Aw you'll be great, let us know how it all goes and you should post more!! :-) did you do ok in 2009?

Thanks! I got good back then and I didn't know what safeguarding was! (I got inspected before I finished the course work!)

so pleased you are finding resources useful :clapping:

You might find my newsletters useful for keeping updated as well - Newsletters (http://independentchildminders.weebly.com/newsletters.html)

good luck with your inspection :D

so pleased you are finding resources useful :clapping:

You might find my newsletters useful for keeping updated as well - Newsletters (http://independentchildminders.weebly.com/newsletters.html)

good luck with your inspection :D

They are fab and give good tips.:laughing:

Good luck - hope all goes well for you

Miffy xx

I don't mind that..... however...it can come anyday, is it likely to happen in the half term?

I don't mind that..... however...it can come anyday, is it likely to happen in the half term?

My last one in 2010 was during the February half term, so yes it could happen.

Good luck, having had an inspection myself end of April- I know how you've been feeling! (I put a post in the ofsted inspection bit x)

Good luck x mine was 2009 so any day now.

Hi all,

Finally had my Ofsted last week, I had an inspector who had 30 years experience in the industry 12 years as an inspector...

To break a long story down as much as I can..... 3 children, 2x 2year olds and 1x 3 year old

I had my first biting incident (6 years as a childminder)... all 3 children ended up with scissors (craft time) a glitter and toy bomb went off. She saw craft time, story & playdoh prompted by the children, snack time, free play, nappy change and potty training... it was hectic. She originally said she wasn't going to look through all the paper work but ended up doing so, I didn't mind as I was confident that I was doing the right things, she asked a few questions. I was so nervous before but during the inspection I had no time to be nervous, she was typing pretty much the whole time.

I maintained my good from 6 years ago, but also got outstanding in the welfare for the children. I can honestly say I enjoyed the whole thing, it was 3 years late and it really made me look at what I do. I was so relieved , it took me a few days to calm down.

People said not to worry, you'll be fine...but I still worried! You do, it means so much to us and those not in the same position just don't understand that this person coming into your home has the power to say you're not good enough for this job, and I know that's rare but it still can happen. I could have been coasting for the last 6 years thinking I might be doing it all wrong!

I had two lovely childminders who supported me through the whole thing, shared my worries, gave advice and stayed by the phone for me. Without them and this site it may have been a different story, so thanks again!!!!!!!

:-) congratulations. Sounds like you had a really good day xx