Ofsted called while I was out yesterday and did not say what they wanted. I have only been minding since beginning of June and there is NO WAY I feel ready for an inspection! I have one little 3 year old full time - from 7 till 6/6.30 (Mum often late) and I am having quite a few problems with his behaviour which I would really like to sort out before Ofsted visit. Plus I have my own two on holiday from school, we are away next week and then I have a baby (12 months old) starting who has never left his mums side before! In other words it is chaos here and not really a nice smooth and organised atmosphere which I would like for an inspection!!! BUT thats kids for you!!

Can I ask them to wait a few weeks till I sort these things out and get the new lo started? Also havent got a SEF form - should I call them for it? Havent really got my head round everything yet.....and am now so worried about having an inspection on top of everything else. :( :(

i wouldn't of thought they would want to inspect you yet. I would ring them and ask. if it that you could always tell them that you do not have mindees over the summer, that would at least give you a chance to get organised:)

I started minding on 1st June and had my inspection last Friday. In a lot of ways it is good - you can show you have intentions to do X, Y and Z but at the moment are still in the settling down process. Good Luck!

True, you could tell them that they are term-time only or that you are on holiday. I'm due to start minding (hopefully) in September and i'm not ringing Ofsted until I'M ready.
They said they would contact me in November, they tried to inspect me within two months of me being registered! and i had to say i had no mindees then they tried it again a month later...again no mindees then they wrote to say they would give me 6 months.
BUT, if i delay telling them, would they not look at the contract and say "Mrs Ripeberry you seem to have been minding since September, why did you not contact us?"
Do you think they would take my feeble excuse of "Sorry i forgot" ? :panic:

They can inspect any time during the first six months but would you suggest that you ask: as you have a new baby starting could they wait a month so you can settle them in before inspecting.

Ofsted are not going to be worried about a screaming settling in baby or a wingy child or a dead fish in the tank or a battle between 2 children... they've seen it all before.

What they will be looking for is how you handle the crises that happen... that's how you will shine.

The new SEF is in free downloads at the top of the forum - have a nosey through it and see if you can put some bits in. it will help!

Shout if you need anything :D