Hi, I sent off my Ofsted forms yesterday, I have done my risk assessments and filled in most of the questions they may ask.

In panic mode I have also been out and brought a lot of things to keep the children safe, I have stairgates, plug covers, fire blanket etc. I have also been out and got some toys as I though that for the first visit I needed to be ready.

Can someone just confirm that I need to not worry so much and that as long as I know what I need to have in place and why I am ok? Would just like to hear it from another childminder and not from my mum!!

Also what policies would they like to see?

Thanks very much in advance

Mel:)

You are right - you DO NOT need to have everything in place.

A lot of prospective childminders do like to try and have everything in place but it is not a rquirement - ion fact a lot of time and money could be wasted in buying dooing things that are not needed - for example your first children could be 4 yr old boys - stairgates not needed and the only thing that interests then is the ione thing you don't have.

The same with policies / risk assessments and so on - until you are actually doing the job you can only guess what is going to be needed.

So getting back to your question - why not make a to do list - all the things you think you are going to need to do / buy and as you do them tick them off - or if don't have time or money some internet research is great - ie where you can get things / some ideas for resouces that you would like to buy - and where you can get them from.

At the pre reg Ofsted are interested in your RESPONSES to the things in the pre reg booklet - in otherwords your knowledge and understanding - and your PLANS for how will implement.

So please stop worrying - make a list / go through the questions in the booklet and you will be as prepared as you can be.


Good Luck

Penny :)

Thanks very much for the reply, I do feel a bit more relaxed about it now:D

Hiya, I had my pre-reg visit on wed and even though I had ordered my fire blanket and first aid kit, they hadnt arrived by my inspection. However the inspector asked if I had proof that I had purchased them and they were on their way, I was able to do this, so they were happy that I had them. (if that makes sense)..... Good luck

Vickie x:clapping: