I have my inspection on monday - paperworl all up to date and indoors is sorted BUT i was wondering if i should cut my grass etc We are not really using outdoors because it freezing and damp and I have all littlies.

I dont want to be down graded because my outdoor space isnt play ready in the winter but am dreading the thought of cutting the grass as it is near freezing here!!
Having said that I will do ANYTHING to get through my ofsted :panic:

Children of all ages should have free access to the outside every day... if they want to go outside!

Either they use the garden or they go to the park.

You don't need to force them out and if they are showing no intention of wanting to go out then you need to show how they get exercise every day.

Perhaps you could show a daily routine with a song and dance session built in? :D

How bad is the grass?!
Would children be able to play outside with the grass as it is? My garden was looking far from its best when I had my inspection in early March. Mrs O wasnt worried in the slightest - she had seen lots of photo evidence etc from our photo books and learning journeys. When she asked to go outside I laughed and said I was hoping for a summer inspection so you could see our vegetable garden rather than the current mudpit! I had used my sef to cover the extent of our outside play , garden and forest.
If she mentions the long grass just tell her the kids like hiding the dinosaurs in it and pretending it is a jungle!

I had my Inspection on Wednesday. My garden is big - DH has a tractor mower! The grass needs cutting, apples need picking up and holly needs cutting back. I told her it is usually in a better playing state but with the torrential rain we have been having, no chance! I do check for dog/wild animal mess every morning and through the day if out there - Get moaned at by DH for killing the grass walking on it when it's frosty first thing :o :o

She went out alone to see the area I use - the garden toys were all wet and grubby, covered in leaves but she was happy as I said in RA that I check and prepare the space when using out there. I use another part of garden at the moment - flat grass for football and bubble blowing and go for walks around our farm for outdoor time.

She was lovely in that she could see I used common sense and the children could have outdoor time if they wanted.

Good luck for Monday!

Thanks everyone - I will give it a mow! :blush:
We have been out once a week or so but the toys are all wet and muddy and it is impossible to keep them clean with the weather the way it is and so we stop at parks as we pass about 3 on the way to school etc Also, different toddler group 3 times a week and indoor dance session every other day or so. We get lots of fresh and exercise just not so much in my muddy garden. But if I mow it - we can go out on monday if it is dry to feed the animals together and give the rabbit a cuddle. Thanks for the advice everyone. x