Hi I've got my first inspection next week and submitted my sef on Wednesday. Anyway, I've just realised that I left the first name's of the children in it.
Do you think this will be a problem?

Thanks,
Rosie x

Should be fine can't see it being a problem. Good luck with your inspection.

thanks - was just worried it might illustrate that i wasn't safeguarding the children somehow?!

Also - ofsted won't be looking at my accounts will they? Only thing I haven't sorted properly yet . . .i think/hope!

rosie x

Hi Rosie

I dont think first names only in your SEF will be a problem . . . and no Ofsted are not interested in your accounts (thankfully as I have just had my first inspection and have done my accounts for 6 months)!!

Good Luck!!

Thanks Tam - how did your inspection go? What paper work did the inspector look at? What did she ask you? What did you do with the kids while she was there?

Sorry for all the questions but i was fine but am starting to get stressed now!

Rosie x

rosie im sure it wouldnt matter - but if youre worried then amend it and resubmit it. if the inspector hasnt pulled it off yet then they will get the amended version.
good luck next week , mine looms! am dreading my sef , i made a start but thats all - and now i see someone posted they did about 9000 words! not that i will have that much to say mind!!

thanks. i'll try and do that.

As for the 9000 words . . . i'm sorry but that was me. But i'm not sure they were very good words. I used sarah's ebook as a guide and then wrote and wrote and wrote. Have you got sarah's book - it's brilliant.

Good luck with your inspection. do you know what day they're coming?

I keep thinking of more things i should have done!

Rosie x

no idea when , had the 'are you minding' call , but not heard from the inspector yet. so much to do , need to get my bum in gear. promised myself id do it over half term , but have avoided paperwork all week apart from 2 ra's!
good luck , let us know how you go!

Thanks Tam - how did your inspection go? What paper work did the inspector look at? What did she ask you? What did you do with the kids while she was there?

Sorry for all the questions but i was fine but am starting to get stressed now!

Rosie x

Rosie, no probs with the questions . . . everyone on the forum has been so helpful and supportive with me and it is great to finally being able to help other people.

I have come to realise that inspections differ dependent on the inspector. I had a lovely inspector who was very nice on the phone and friendly when she came to my house and really put me at ease. I was extremely nervous before but I didnt feel stressed or like I was being assessed.

She couldnt have chosen a worse day as I had 3 LOs (9 month, 20 month and 2 years) . . . as I go out with the LOs every morning she came around lunch time and was here for 1 hr 45 mins (she said my SEF was very comprehensive so didn't need to ask me loads of questions, just need to observe me with the children and verify I did what I said on my SEF).

My mentor advised me to go with the LOs on the day and forget my normal routines for a stress free inspection coz my normal routines went pear shaped when the 2 yr old went for a nap 30 mins before normal so was asleep at lunch time, so I ended up doing 2 lunch sittings but it reflected my ability to offer individual attention and needs of the children. All three children were so good (even commented in my report), smiling and giggling with each other . . . so my advice is relax, you are doing everything you should be, be friendly and just spend time with the children (I didnt do a specific activity as we had been out all morning and then we had lunch, play time and then nap time).

With regards to paperwork, I had the following ready for Mrs O to look at:

Children Folders (plastic folders)
-------------------
* Contracts
* Permission Forms
* All Information supplied by parents
* Parent & Kids Questionnaires
* Learning Journals (spiral bound)

Learning Journals
--------------------
* All about me
* Observations & Next Steps
* Photos

NCMA Purple Box
--------------------
* Attendance Register (spiral bound)
* Visitors Book (spiral bound)
* Medical Folder
* Daily Risk Assessment Tick List (plastic sleeve)
* Fire Drill Record (plastic sleeve)

Planning (plastic folder)
---------
* 2010 Multicultural Festivals
* Current Bi-monthly Theme and Planning
* Other ideas

Portfolio which I show potential parents (leather folder)
---------
* EYFS
* Policies & Procedures (sorted by EYFS Principles)
* Risk Assessments
* Menu Example
* Fire Evacuation Plan
* Photocopies of Ofsted Certificate, First Aid, PL Insurance, etc. (Original on Notice Board in Hall)
* Example of Learning Journals & Holiday Scrapbook for older kids

I think that is it and I find it managable.

Good Luck!!!

Lovies
Tam
x

Thanks Tam that's great. Hopefully I'll have a nice inspector too! She sounded quite friendly on the phone.

Ive just about got my house and paperwork sorted I think! I don't know which day she's coming either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Ill let you know how it goes!
Rosie x