I started minding at the beginning of February and only have one three yr old part time and am looking after a baby part time just for a few weeks.I went on a course yesterday about Portfolio building and SEF.The course was good but has left me feeling that I'm not going to be able to get it all done before Ofsted arrive-could arrive any day now.I also haven't written down any self reflection stuff - we were shown the NCMA booklet but it all seems so overwhelming and I'm finding myself just losing sleep and constantly worrying about Ofsted instead of getting on and enjoying minding.It feels as if what ever I do won't be good enough.An NCMA development officer saw my paperwork a fwew weeks ago and liked my portfolio but it seems from what I heard yesterday that I will need to reoganise that as well into ECM sections.I only really have one child at the moment and so evaluating my service is limited - sorry warbling on it's just that all of them on the course sounded so well organised and confident.I'm not sure I can face an Ofsted inspection being grilled for 4or 5 hours.The trouble is I have got a fair amount of paperwork but have put most of my energies into building up resources,setting up a play room and developing my garedn area.:panic:

I know it's easy to say, but try not to stress about it.

There really are no right or wrong ways to do your paperwork and just because you were shown a different way on a course it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your way. You certainly don't have to put it in ECM order, I don't. These courses offer recommendations, but if you're happy with how you're doing things, then carry on as you are.
Have confidence in yourself and what you're doing.

Check that you have all the necessary paperwork (risk assessments, compaints policy, child records etc) and gradually build up the rest.

As for self evaluation, that doesn't need to be complicated either. I have a folder & I just write notes for myself on what I do well, what I don't do so well & what I'm planning to do to improve. Next time I look at it I review what I wanted to do & comment on whether or not I did it. If I didn't, I put it as ongoing. Identify things that you do well, for example your settling in period, and say how this has helped the child.

Ofsted don't want everything to be perfect, but they do like to know that you identify areas where you know you need to improve.

Keep your chin up - it does get easier!

I agree with Mouse - one persons methods are not always suitable for someone else and what you have in place sounds good. I would try to get the SEF written and submitted as this will save time & questions at the inspection. So long as you can answer the questions put to you and demonstrate your abilities with the children you will be fine.

The things you have concentrated on ARE the most important i,e resources for the children and settling them in etc.

Have confidence in yourself and enjoy your minding.:thumbsup: