Hi All

Hoping someone can offer me some advice!!!!!! really panicking.

The last time I childminded was in July 2008 and I have subsequently had 2 children in that time. We were due to move house but due to the current climate that has been put on hold.

I have decided to start childminding again, but feel quite anxious that although I have tried to keep up to speed with all things childminding. I may be lacking - I have tried to arrange an advisory/improvement visit but not heard anything yet. I have also had several phonecalls recently from Ofsted regarding having no children on roll and well so far the people I have spoken to have been less than friendly.

Anyway now have a parent interested to start within the next few weeks which will also mean that I can be inspected but I am anxious about starting so soon without a heads up - reaally dont want to get a bad grading.

I have updated policies, procedures, done RA's not even sure if they are correct!!!. First aid, insurance all ok - just about to do safeguarding course. At a loss what to do next.

Please help:panic:

Are there any experienced childminders in your local area who can offer you any support?

Otherwise chase up your local authority bod it's their job to support new childminders!

Hth :D

Hello and welcome, I can understand it being nerve-wracking starting up again after a break especially with Ofsted breathing down your neck. Sarah has given you some good options - you could also try FIS who might be able to put you in touch with someone or your local children's centre as they may have one or more childminders groups running there.

Miffy xx

Thanks guys

Just spoke to my local support childminder but wont be seeing her until early december.

Now I just need to speak to the Ofsted police - always feel really nervous when I speak to them:blush: .

xxx

I've just been in exactly your boat.returned in august after break since 2007 and was inspected 2 week ago.
I found the south gloucester council(gooogle it) had great examples of risk assesments.Based mine on their format.The bromley childminders have a great site with loads of policies to read and form a basis to write your own from or compare with.Also make sure you have a go at your SEF if you havent already done it.Make sure you have good examples of planning,assesment and observations.
My local local council sent me out a self audit which covered all the legal requirements which i used as a check sheet to make sure i had covered everything .I'll try and work out how to send it to you if you think it will help

Also ..very important.The minute you start minding again inform OFSTED because if they decide to spring a visit on you and they thought you had no children on roll and you have started to mind again it will have serious consequences.I informed them just before i started back but the message didnt get to the right department.Luckily for me my inspector chased up my phone call and verified the fact that i had informed them.Aparently i could have lost my registration if she hadnt found proof of the call.