:panic: :panic: :panic: :panic: :panic: :panic: :

I think the little panicky face above may give it away but I am panicking and I mean BIG STYLE!!!

Ive had the call today from prospects with a few dates she is planning.

I really really need someone to just give me some basic ideas as to what she will look at when she is here and what she will expect of those things she looks at?

Such things as RA's most are done, I havent reviewed them as I only did them in Jan - do they need reviewing etc.

I really dont know where to start :panic: :panic:

Ive cancelled all plans this weekend and am spending it on my SEF but other than that I basically havent got a clue!!!!

Is this your first proper inspection?


First of all don't panic

See if you can download a copy of 'what to expect at your inspection' and a 'passion to be outstanding'

It's always a good idea to have a look at other local minders reports online via the ofsted website - that give you an idea of what your local inspectors are focusing on.

Have you done your SEF or even a form of self reflection?

Don't know if Sarah707 has an inspection e-book that might be helpful......

I think the trick is to 'sell yourself' - make sure you point out all the positives and great things you do

get parents to write you references

etc

Also make sure you can answer questions on your policies and procedures to show they are your own, know your complaints procedure and safeguarding info, have the correct, up to date safeguarding leaflet and booklet available. Make sure med records are fully completed and up to date etc.... Provide evidence of obs and development however you do it. Make sure that you have everything that you want her to see to hand so you don't have to search for it or forget to show. Fire drill records, first aid boxes etc..... I'm sure you will do all of this but it's easy to miss something on the day. And as Pip said, be yourself, be confident! Good luck!:)

If you know the inspector's name then it's worth having a look on-line to see if you can find some of her reports - that will show you the sort of things she's looking for.

My inspection was in March and I would say the biggies were safeguarding (which included RA's); working in partnership; learning and development, in particular planning for individual children and next steps.

Double check all your paperwork - signatures on accident forms. If a child has had an accident did you need to review any part of your RA? If you have been on outings can you show the inspector your RA if asked?

I think it's worth spending time making a start (if you can't do it all) on your SEF.

Good luck

Miffy xx

Thanks all :thumbsup: Was hoping to work on SEF this weekend as I hadnt started it but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get on the online one :panic: :panic:

Without sounding too stupid, and although of course I have them, I hadnt thought about things like first aid kits etc. I was just thinking - file risk assessments, make sure LJs up to date and attendance book - and after that my mind went blank!!


How can I look at recent reports from my inspector Miffy?? I do know her name (well sort of - I wasnt sure if she said Karen or Carol!!) but know her surname??

I am on the hunt now for an inspection checklist to make sure ive ticked off all the obvious things!! :( :(

I am proud to say that today I was inspected and graded outstanding for the 2nd time. However it was very, very hard the inspector was here for 5 hours and at my co-minders for 4 hours before she arrived here.

Things I almost missed!. Procedure for allegations of abuse against a childminder.
Please do not under estimate how long you need to spend on your sef before your appointment is booked.
Planning and next steps no matter how many photos or daily diarys.
Questionnaires for parents to complete so you can show their views.
Thats a start!
Good luck, sell yourself good luck.

I am proud to say that today I was inspected and graded outstanding for the 2nd time. However it was very, very hard the inspector was here for 5 hours and at my co-minders for 4 hours before she arrived here.

Things I almost missed!. Procedure for allegations of abuse against a childminder.
Please do not under estimate how long you need to spend on your sef before your appointment is booked.
Planning and next steps no matter how many photos or daily diarys.
Questionnaires for parents to complete so you can show their views.
Thats a start!
Good luck, sell yourself good luck.

Thanks so much....and a huge well done :thumbsup: :thumbsup: If I can even get a good I will be over the moon...oustanding is fantastic :jump for joy:

Am just waiting for ofsted to send me my token to do SEF. Have completed a lot by hand on a hard copy so just need to get it inputted once token arrives.

Questionnaires have gone out (they were due anyway as do them three monthly)

One of my big fall downs will be planning. We are very much a day to day setting (although we do have set days for certain activities - soft play, sure start etc) I dont actually "plan" certain activities for certain next steps - if you see what I mean!

Mindee H needs work on her numbers - I am conscious of this and in every activity we do I ensure she works on her numbers - but I dont actually plan this as such - I know she needs to do it so I do it.........I know Mrs O wont be happy with that at all :( :(

All policies and procedures are having a huge overhaul this week - some are due for review and some are ok but all worth a look.

Am a little concerned about RA's - it still isnt clear for me whether I literally need an RA for every single thing I do/place i visit etc or whether a general "park" "soft play" etc etc will suffice???

Arrgghhh I start to feel organised and then get myself in a tiz again!!! :panic:

With regards to risk assessements you must do one for each park, soft play area you visit as each one has differents risks.