HI all.

I just feel like i need to write this post to get all of this off of my chest.

I have my inspection next week. Weds, Thurs or Friday.

I have been working non-stop for weeks now tweaking and adding and re-doing, and trying to get everything just right. Im nearly there, i think. All my profiles are sorted. I have folders for Being Healthy, Staying Safe, Making a Positive Contribution, and Enjoying and Achieving. These are nearly done. I have all my registers up to date, and all my evidence of daily risk assessments. I have a folder that has each childs contract, child records, and consent forms. I have HUNDREDS of photos. I have a DVD for each child with clips of the things they do here and there fav songs as a soundtrack. I have SO MUCH, but i still dont feel ready. I need a new child gate, one of the mindee's broke it yesterday.

The kids have been SO naughty this week. Sorry i shouldn't say that... The kids have been SOOOOO challenging this week.

I had my NVQ assessor here on Tuesday, and i swear if that had been my inspection i would have ended up unregistered. They all woke up grumpy and kept fighting (2 are brothers aged 3 and 19 months) and the baby (6 months) screamed everytime i put her down. It was purely for attention but because i was being watched i felt i couldnt just leave her. Urg.. so much went wrong. I just feel like it doesnt matter how much evidence i show of the great time the kids have here if they act like that what will Mrs Ofsted think? They always test their boundries when there are people here. I just feel like giving up. I cant ever remember being this stressed about anything. :(

Sounds like you have put Massive efforts into your practice - perhaps you now need to take a step back and believe in yourself and que sera sera as they say.

There is no point pushing yourself to breaking point - after all it then takes us away from what is really important - time with the kids.

Give yourself a pat on the back and the whole weekend off. Chill out and enjoy the time with your family.

Sending lots of positive wishes for you
xx

Oh you sound just like i was in the weeks leading up to my inspection- in fact i thought i was having a stroke as the side of my head & face went numb....all stress induced. So all i can say is you have worked damned hard and have done all you can, on the day you will be ready and that is all that matters. The inspector will see past the grumpy children & screaming baby, she will note how you deal with them, she will see how you support the childrens learning, she will see your setting, see that your paperwork is all up-to-date and see the plans you have for future development. Relax. It will be fine :)
If there is something you have forgotten & on the day she asks about it then tell her how you plan to meet that requirement/situation/improvement- & say it is one of your 'plans for improvement' ;)
Have you done your SEF? i found it very time consumning but well worth the struggle :D

Thanks for the replys guys, oh pipsqueak a whole weekend off... that would be heaven, except i have an all day course tomorrow! :angry:

I am however going out on sunday, im taking my other half a surprise day out to our first date, which i am really looking forwards to.

Winnie - thankyou. Its so nice ( if thats the right word) to know its not only me who gets like this.

My SEF is part completed but i think thats all im going to have time to do. Do you think i should send it through like that? When is the latest i can send it through do you know?

You have to ask yourself whether it's worth this much upset.

From what you have said, you are more than ready for an inspection and have lots of information in place.

I think now you need to stop for a bit and reflect on all the positive things you have written in your first post.

Good luck next week :D

I think good advice is being offered here.

Maybe the children have picked up on your anxiety and if you are more relaxed they will be too.

Whatever is done is done so sit back, smile and enjoy your job - as Loreal say "you are worth it"

Hope the inspection goes well.