I'm absolutely terrified. All of a sudden I feel very vulnerable.....my home, my professionalism, as I employ my husband; my livelihood and my pride is depending on this.....

My last inspection was awful....it was soon after I first registered and it was the day after Boxing Day. I had 2 children and promised them that between Christmas and new year, they could just bring in their presents etc. ..... I got a satisfactory. If I get that again....I'm giving up!

I'm following my usual plans so will be doing baking or making a collage as a few of the children are struggling with their shapes so am planing a shape collage. ...

I'd rather have a tooth extracted by a chiropodist!

And....I've lost all my certificates! Obviously put them somewhere safe but no idea where!:panic:

Don't panic!! I know it feels scary sometimes but Ofsted are not the enemy.

I have written this blog that you might find useful - Ofsted are coming! - Independent Childminders (http://independentchildminders.weebly.com/blog/ofsted-are-coming).

Make sure you can talk about how you have changed things after training - that's more important than showing the certificates.

Keep calm - know your safeguarding - know your children - you'll be fine :D

Thank you sarah 707. ....I will look at your blog now...and probably again tomorrow. I have Monday. ...Tuesday. ....xxx
..

I want to say don't panic...but I so understand how you feel...my stomach churns when people tell me about their impending OFSTED inspection... the key is to think carefully about what your priority preparation is.....They will look at your development points from your last inspection...to make sure you have acted on them..so I would make sure you put in your SEF, or you show evidence of what you have done to address these.
Then read the info Sarah suggests...great advice.

All my fingers are crossed for you.

I'm absolutely terrified. All of a sudden I feel very vulnerable.....my home, my professionalism, as I employ my husband; my livelihood and my pride is depending on this..... My last inspection was awful....it was soon after I first registered and it was the day after Boxing Day. I had 2 children and promised them that between Christmas and new year, they could just bring in their presents etc. ..... I got a satisfactory. If I get that again....I'm giving up! I'm following my usual plans so will be doing baking or making a collage as a few of the children are struggling with their shapes so am planing a shape collage. ... I'd rather have a tooth extracted by a chiropodist! And....I've lost all my certificates! Obviously put them somewhere safe but no idea where!:panic:

Aw good luck mookie, I'm dreading mine too!! What age children have you got on the day?
Best of luck :-) xx

The best thing you can do is keep calm. Have a look at the list of things that you need to have in place and go through them and tick them off.

Then when you know that you have all the legal requirements you can spend some time on going through all the other stuff. Remember that its focused on how you teach the children so as you are doing your activity spend lots of time on:

Asking them relevant questions during the activity (and all the way through your inspection)
Giving them time and expand to answer is important
Be full of knowledge about the activity, teaching them as you go. Talking about shapes, numbers will also help your Maths areas.
Be prepared to answer questions about each child if she/he asks...such as what they are getting out of the activity. A 3yr old will be getting something different out of the activity from a 12 month old.

My advice would be to just talk with the children a lot, teach, teach, teach!!! And know where each child is at in their development and what you are doing to further their development

You'll be fine :D

I recently had my first inspection and I was a bag of nerves. As soon as she arrived I thought I was going to commit on her. Unfortunately when I vomit I pee myself at the same time so all I keep thinking was I was going to commit and then we would be swimming in a sea of vomit of wee and that's what kept going through my head! Lovely thought for you all lol!

In total honesty I thought it went terrible, lo didn't want to do the activities, just chucked them about and wandered off. However, the inspector liked that I didn't keep bringing them back, I just scrapped the ideas and followed lo's lead. I did lots of mirroring and verbal dialogue, I talk too much when I'm nervous anyway!

Know your child, know your safeguarding and prevent duty as they're hot in this at the moment. Big up your strengths and be constructively critical of your work where needed (not majorly though!) and follow this up with ideas for changes etc. Big up your training and also have a couple of ideas of future training you want to do.

I don't do a lot of planning but I do keep a one page ideas spider web and I keep next steps with it so I can cross reference.

Make sure your register is complete with actual times the children are there rather than contracted hours. Also make sure accident forms are signed, this is something she checked with me.

I have a folder with the children's info in that I have termly reports, contracts, all about me sheets and signed permissions. I use online for everything else.

One thing my inspector really liked is my changed to activities. I use a story set where you thread the food into the hungry caterpillar. It's really tricky as quite right to slide them on so I made a box for the younger children. I stuck a caterpillar picture on and the children posted the food through instead.

These are some of the things that first come to mind. The main thing is to know your children, where there at and their next steps. My inspector was lovely and was aware how nervous I was.

I did a really detailed SEF, she was able to get lots of info from this meaning she didn't have to ask so many questions.

God luck, heaps of hugs winging their way to you xxxx

Aw good luck mookie, I'm dreading mine too!! What age children have you got on the day?
Best of luck :-) xx

As it's me an hubby who work together....we have 1 baby of 8 months and 4 or 5 four year olds! Gulp!!!!!

As it's me an hubby who work together....we have 1 baby of 8 months and 4 or 5 four year olds! Gulp!!!!!

How did it go mookie? :-) Hope you've got your feet up relaxing! xx

Honestly? It was one of the worse days of my life. It was awful. The inspector upset the children, a parent and myself and was vile. I've just received the report and it's filled with inaccuracies. I won't go into anymore detail as I don't want to get any minders worried about their inspections. I've minded for many years and had lots of inspections and they've all been ok...I've never experienced one like this. 😢😢..

Bet you wish you'd not asked now mumofone! Xxx

Honestly? It was one of the worse days of my life. It was awful. The inspector upset the children, a parent and myself and was vile. I've just received the report and it's filled with inaccuracies. I won't go into anymore detail as I don't want to get any minders worried about their inspections. I've minded for many years and had lots of inspections and they've all been ok...I've never experienced one like this. 😢😢..

Bet you wish you'd not asked now mumofone! Xxx

That's pretty much what I posted after mine! Sorry to hear you had an awful time as well.

I didn't go into great detail as I don't think my inspection was at all typical, so any feedback I could have given wouldn't really have been relevant or helpful.

Did you complain afterwards?

That's pretty much what I posted after mine! Sorry to hear you had an awful time as well. I didn't go into great detail as I don't think my inspection was at all typical, so any feedback I could have given wouldn't really have been relevant or helpful. Did you complain afterwards?

Have you been inspected recently the mouse? What happened?
I hope you're both making formal complaints if it wasn't fair x

That's pretty much what I posted after mine! Sorry to hear you had an awful time as well.

I didn't go into great detail as I don't think my inspection was at all typical, so any feedback I could have given wouldn't really have been relevant or helpful.

Did you complain afterwards?


I am complaining now and seeking legal advice. Her report was not only wrong but defamatory.

Never happened to me before. Fingers crossed you all get a different inspector! Xx

I am complaining now and seeking legal advice. Her report was not only wrong but defamatory.

Never happened to me before. Fingers crossed you all get a different inspector! Xx

If I can help in any way with the complaint please message me x

You need to clear you inbox Mookie x

You need to clear you inbox Mookie x


Thank you. I may need help, just feel very vulnerable at the moment. And I am going to clear my inbox now. Thanks guys xx

You need to clear you inbox Mookie x

Emptied. Or my email is gayn712@gmail.com. ...

I'm really sorry to hear that you had a hard time. Hope you're ok. x

If I can help in any way with the complaint please message me x

Sarah....I have prepared a letter of complaint. I think I have covered everything. Thanks for a previous post or blog you wrote, I think I've done it ok.
Will let you know how it goes. X

I sent a letter to Prospects and Ofsted. Prospets have said to deal with ofsted and ofsted had acknowledged it and have assured me they are dealing with it. It still hurts tho. Things she said and even the report has some damning things in it. Just horrid. Feel very down 😔

I sent a letter to Prospects and Ofsted. Prospets have said to deal with ofsted and ofsted had acknowledged it and have assured me they are dealing with it. It still hurts tho. Things she said and even the report has some damning things in it. Just horrid. Feel very down 😔

Did you do the online complaint?

I did mine, got an acknowledgement from Ofsted, then a follow up letter to say it had been forwarded to Tribal for them to investigate. It's all a farce really. They're hardly likely to disagree with their own inspector, are they?

I'm sorry you're feeling so down about it all. I'm lucky that my report does read well, so I've no issue with that (well, other than the factual errors she's made). It has made it easier for me to get over, but I can fully understand how devastating it must be if the report isn't good :(

Hi mouse, I sent them the letter. Prospects said due to the nature of my complaint I should send it to ofsted. I then forwarded them a copy of my letter.
The report is horrific. I use some, minimal, montessori methods, worksheets, dry wipe materials purchased from learning resources, use tracing paper etc...she said i was setting the children up 'for failure'. She complained that they children were 'too good' and it was a shame there wasn't a 'sen' child to observe.
The report is nasty, rude, false and has some really horrid things in it....Trust me, I wouldn't short list myself as a possible childminder if I read the report

Hi mouse, I sent them the letter. Prospects said due to the nature of my complaint I should send it to ofsted. I then forwarded them a copy of my letter.
The report is horrific. I use some, minimal, montessori methods, worksheets, dry wipe materials purchased from learning resources, use tracing paper etc...she said i was setting the children up 'for failure'. She complained that they children were 'too good' and it was a shame there wasn't a 'sen' child to observe.
The report is nasty, rude, false and has some really horrid things in it....Trust me, I wouldn't short list myself as a possible childminder if I read the report

oh sweetie, I want to press 'like' except I don't 'like', I just want to offer you support.

best of luck with it all. big hugs xxx

So sad for you, how horrid. I really don't think some of these inspectors have any sense of how personally crushing their comments/assessments can be. Sending hugs xxx

Oh No Mookie, how terrible. Only just read this!!

I hate reading stuff like this :( Hope you're ok and I hope you can get a good outcome.

Thanks all. I'm embarrassed to say, one of her comments actually in her report was 'a child walked around aimlessly ' .... I know it sounds bad, and I promise this never happened. We were doing a superhero activity discussing what makes us 'super'. One of the children, a 7 year old very active lad, walks as he talks and I'm assuming that this was the incident she was talking about. He was saying that his super power talking very fast talking...This was the only thing I can think of. And it was only a little activity. She actually missed the activity where the children were cutting their bananas and shape matching their plates. (They also did cooking which she actually said I was at a 'GOOD ' rating at this point)
This is one of her many negative remarks.
I don't know what I did to make her dislike me. She made it clear that she didn't like Montessori and also certainly wasn't happy that my husband worked for me.
As I'm sure you can tell, my grade was 'needs improvememt' which, if that is true, I would welcome any advice. However, her advice was to bring in a local outstanding cm to help or she could 'coach' me! I said no to both. Other than that, there was no advice, just complete negativity. One child was scared of her, a parent complained to me about her rudeness and I swear I'm telling the truth.
I'm actually hoping they re-inspect me. Even if the grade stays the same but is a fair, honest and just inspection.
Sorry to moan. Xxx

Sorry to hear it was a nightmare, you sound like you have done everything you can in the complaints procedure, but prepare yourself that this will stand for a while. Sarah 707 and others have been working tirelessly to bring forward next inspections for satisfactory/ needs improvement, so hopefully this will happen in the near future.

I have supported someone through private, confidential arrangements, not the LEA, who has had two satisfactory inspections and she has really appreciated having a sounding board for her personal circumstances and has said that her confidence has improved which has enabled her to move forward in her practise. So, although you weren't happy with the inspector saying it, it might not be a bad idea teaming up with another childminder, a good or outstanding one that you get on well with. We wrote an action plan and how she was going to address the inspectors and her own issues, having someone to chat with about this is always a good idea. The LEA visit that followed two satisfactory inspections ( this may just be this LEA) was very positive, this is what she now shows prospective parents.

You need to hold onto the good practise she saw and I expect in between the negativity, there will be more positives, but all you can see is the negatives at the moment.....look for them in your report and highlight them, it will make you feel better.

There was lots of negativity and it's an horrific report. The cm she suggested, I seriously question her practice and ethics so no, it wouldn't help.

I know I'm sounding unreasonable, but I'm really not. Like u said, I would happily take on board any advice etc. I've only stated a few of the things in the report and what happened on the day.

Oh dear, wondered around aimlessly, this makes me so mad!!! What happened to being human beings not doings, learning through doing at your own pace, how does she define aimless? How does she know what his/her thought process was? Giving time to observe, think about and mull things over is sooo important, giving time and space??
I had a child free ofsted visit, last minute family changed plans, I asked if she could come back when children here later the same day, so she made a phone call. I was told she had to do it then as they were so far behind with inspections. I must admit I was a bit peeved but also just wanted it out the way. So I only got a met, but reading some of the horrific stories about what minders have been through I'm thinking I got off lightly.

You're so right. Children are children for such a short space of time. I couldn't win. One child walked about a bit while we were talking so she said this but then told me that the children (all 7 of them!) were 'too good!'
So sad. I know I'm taking this personally, it does make me question the whole inspection process and it's actual usage. Thanks tho x

Hi. Just an update. I've put in an official complaint. I was called yesterday and was told that whist it is being dealt with, due to it being a case of "he said / she said", that it will probably remain unresolved as nothing can be proven. I said this didn't seem fair bit she said that was procedure.
So, I don't hold put much hope of a good outcome.
I'm looking at returning to uni to complete teacher training. This has had a really negative effect on me and am quite saddened by it all really. I certainly feel let down and I feel that I've let the children I care for down.
Thanks for all your support xxx

Sorry to hear what you've been through, can imagine how upset you are :group hug: If you are not happy with the result of the investigation, you are allowed to escalate it further I believe, and that seems to be when things are changed with another inspection. I would concentrate on yourself whilst this first investigation takes place, hopefully a second one is not needed, but you need to feel secure in yourself to fight it further. Plenty of support here for you x


Ps, you might want to edit your post containing your email address ;-)

Hi. Just an update. I've put in an official complaint. I was called yesterday and was told that whist it is being dealt with, due to it being a case of "he said / she said", that it will probably remain unresolved as nothing can be proven. I said this didn't seem fair bit she said that was procedure. So, I don't hold put much hope of a good outcome. I'm looking at returning to uni to complete teacher training. This has had a really negative effect on me and am quite saddened by it all really. I certainly feel let down and I feel that I've let the children I care for down. Thanks for all your support xxx

Hi mookie, I'm confused that they said it will probably remain unresolved due to it being he said/she said as surely this is the case at any inspection Because only an inspector and you would be present. Are they saying no one ever wins a case?

Hi mookie, I'm confused that they said it will probably remain unresolved due to it being he said/she said as surely this is the case at any inspection Because only an inspector and you would be present. Are they saying no one ever wins a case?

The only time a complaint is likely to be upheld is if the inspector has mad a mistake. Eg. if they mark you down for not having done the online SEF a complaint is more likely to be upheld because you don't have to it, so the inspector is wrong.
Even then though it's still hit & miss. An inspector could say they did get it wrong, but that it didn't affect the actual inspection outcome. They will wriggle out of it whenever possible.

My complaint was my word against the inspectors and I was told from the beginning that it probably wouldn't be upheld. I already knew that, but I wanted the inspector to know someone had stood up to her and I wanted to make her have to explain herself to her bosses. It gave me a sense of satisfaction to know I hadn't let her get away with it. I've spoken to a cm friend who has been inspected by her since then and it's obvious that she has made some changes based on my complaints. It might not have helped me, but complaint had certainly had an impact on how the inspector conducts herself - that in itself is a success!

Unfortunately Mookie had a much tougher time of it that I did. I could put my experience behind me and carry on as normal. It's such a shame when a childminder has such a bad time of it that they end up considering leaving the profession :(

The only time a complaint is likely to be upheld is if the inspector has mad a mistake. Eg. if they mark you down for not having done the online SEF a complaint is more likely to be upheld because you don't have to it, so the inspector is wrong. Even then though it's still hit & miss. An inspector could say they did get it wrong, but that it didn't affect the actual inspection outcome. They will wriggle out of it whenever possible. My complaint was my word against the inspectors and I was told from the beginning that it probably wouldn't be upheld. I already knew that, but I wanted the inspector to know someone had stood up to her and I wanted to make her have to explain herself to her bosses. It gave me a sense of satisfaction to know I hadn't let her get away with it. I've spoken to a cm friend who has been inspected by her since then and it's obvious that she has made some changes based on my complaints. It might not have helped me, but complaint had certainly had an impact on how the inspector conducts herself - that in itself is a success! Unfortunately Mookie had a much tougher time of it that I did. I could put my experience behind me and carry on as normal. It's such a shame when a childminder has such a bad time of it that they end up considering leaving the profession :(

What happened at your inspection mouse that you were unhappy with, are you able to say?

Thanks guys. I will continue with the complaint. Problem is, my report is now 'live' and already having a huge impact. Need to fill spaces soon and with the negativity in my ofsted report, it's seemingly impossible to attract new families. I'm happy if someone reads it and tells me their observations of it? Will also show my complaint letter etc if anyone thinks they could help?

The complaint has been dealt with....not upheld. 17 pages of bs. I'm heartbtoken.
I've had enough and will be giving all parents notice this evening. I put my life into this business and am hurt beyond belief. I'm not putting myself through it again.

The complaint has been dealt with....not upheld. 17 pages of bs. I'm heartbtoken. I've had enough and will be giving all parents notice this evening. I put my life into this business and am hurt beyond belief. I'm not putting myself through it again.


Oh mookie I'm so sorry to hear this. Remember your parents and children haven't complained and they're the ones that matter?
I don't understand how they can have said things that are so wrong and damaging, do you have evidence to the contrary (photos or anything?) that would help? Do you have parent testimonials? What did they think was so wrong? I can't see how they can get away with such a damaging report..

The inspector has lied. Yes I have evidence to prove her wrong. Yes parents are supportive. Every complaint where she can't get out of it, has been 'unable to reach a decision' and every other point, she has lied or they have backed her up. It really is sickening.

Sending you positive thoughts , I've no wise words , sorry for your bad feelings , I feel for you x

I feel so upset for you. Sorry you have reached this decision. Best of luck to you.

The inspector has lied. Yes I have evidence to prove her wrong. Yes parents are supportive. Every complaint where she can't get out of it, has been 'unable to reach a decision' and every other point, she has lied or they have backed her up. It really is sickening.

You are full of anger and hurt, but giving notice to parents won't take away those feelings. You'll still feel the same, but you'll have the added heartache of having given up your business and the added guilt of having given notice to families who have been supportive and who don't give a stuff about Ofsted.

Do you really want to allow the lies of one person to upset so many others? It's such a tough battle and I can completely understand why you don't have the energy or motivation to carry on childminding, but dig deep and see if you can find even the slightest spark of defiance and determination to carry on regardless of what some inspector says.

You know you've got support here and from your families. Do you have local childminder friends you can call on for a morale boost? Take any support you can get and give yourself time to think about what you really want to do.

:group hug:

I agree with Mouse.. well said Mouse :D

Have a long sit down and think about what you really want to do. The parents and children you have already are obviously happy or they wouldn't be with you, do they know how you're feeling at the moment?

Ask them to write you some references so you can show new families. Whenever I have parents rounds I don't even know if they've read my report as it doesn't have my name on online, most never ask.

I too was very mad about my inspection but you sound a lot worse than I was. I can understand how you're feeling as it does feel like a personal attack when negative things are said about a business that we run. Ofsted can help a great deal to raise standards but also they are driving hard working childcarers out of a business they love with their picky and negative ways. I'm not a fan of them and hope to stop childminding before my next inspection is due in 4yrs.

Don't do anything rash...do you have anything else you can go into? Make sure you have work before you give notice as your anger will leave you with no income and then you'll feel worse.

Hugs to you and we are here for you to bounce your ideas off :D

Good advice from Mouse - take time to think about it.

You set off into this inspection feeling you wanted to give up .....I'm wondering if deep down this is what you have been thinking for a while and the inspection has tipped the balance.....but you still should take time to think today.

Work out the energy and enthusiasm you have v the next steps and your action plan to address the issues in your report.
Remember if you know some points are not accurate then you put them in your action plan and tick youv'e addressed them straight away with the evidence you offered them in your complaint.
You won't have too many steps to take to address the points if you have evidence you already do it.....you probably won't have much to do to look to an inspector that you have improved ....as you already do it all!

Good luck with your decision.

Mookie I really feel for you, I had this last time around (2 years 2 months ago) they were coming back within 6 months but never called, They finally called in August this year and said as I only had one child they would call again mid September.
They called Yesterday!! She is coming later this week or early next.
Ive already decided I'm giving up as I cannot go through this time and time again. My parents all know I'm finishing September 17 when i'll have done 20 years childminding.
Im thinking I'm not going to mention this when she comes in case she thinks i have the 'cant be bothered approach'.

Im not at all looking forward to it, i have 2 x 10 month olds (not together) and a 13 month old, none can walk all are new to me and are all quite hard work!

Im sure ill be back with more questions later today!

I had this last year. I was downgraded as actioned on 2 things. My whole report was based on these 2 things( supporting EAL child and working with nurseries) everything related to EAL and that I was failing child's learning ( saw child 15mins) no note on the positives on others in my care. I complained they upheld grade but changed some wording but still looked bad. I had a call week before last ofsted. They're coming out this month. I lost all confidence and mojo in this job.

However I've taken on 2 new children and one read report and said it had no reflection on me and happily signed x I'm up till 11pm most night checking and rechecking I've everything covered Ive made notes in case I get nervous. It's awful. Sending hugs xx

Thanks Its a small world, sending you hugs too, was hoping mine would be today, I just need it over with but as she said mornings its looking unlikely today.
Hope yours is soon over too.
My last one was my fist aid that ran out the day she came and the new course was booked a few weeks ahead, my whole report showed how I didn't keep up to date with legislation and ensure children health and safety. its finished me off now, 17years id had an in date certificate and it was out for 4 weeks, did they think i would forget what to do?
There were no courses available and i had evidence to prove id looked within a 50 mile radius of my house for the 6 months before.

Thanks Its a small world, sending you hugs too, was hoping mine would be today, I just need it over with but as she said mornings its looking unlikely today.
Hope yours is soon over too.
My last one was my fist aid that ran out the day she came and the new course was booked a few weeks ahead, my whole report showed how I didn't keep up to date with legislation and ensure children health and safety. its finished me off now, 17years id had an in date certificate and it was out for 4 weeks, did they think i would forget what to do?
There were no courses available and i had evidence to prove id looked within a 50 mile radius of my house for the 6 months before.

Bless you. Hope you get it over and done with soon.. I'm a wreck I get so nervous so I have done sheets for each file explaining what I do, how I gather information, how I handle situations basically as much information as possible. So I don't have to talk much and get flustered when playing with the children. I seriously feel it's how they feel on the day and who you get. Mine owned a nursery so sure they felt my settings wasn't good enough - no posters plastered everywhere, play room etc. It's only a small house but enough resources and the children cared for. Home from home. I Googled their nursery and they have someone for sen someone for EAL someone for first aid. Basically someone for everything where we have to cover everything ourselves.

Let's us know how you get on. Sorry it's got to you and you've decided to give up. However if mine doesn't go well I may be going too. I've done so much paperwork and turned things around so much around since last year. Xx sending hugs x