I should be having my first graded inspection any time now but Im definately not ready!
Ive only had 1 baby 2 days a week for the last 6 weeks so am still getting to grips with LJ's, still dont know how to do next steps and the termly assessment etc.
I keep reading posts on here and finding out things I didnt know I had to do so Im really panicking now!
Just completed my SEF which took me 3 days non stop work and still cant complete the Management and Leadership page, not got a clue what to put.
I know everyone says to relax but I really cant til this is finished.
Help with any tips please?

I'm in the same position. I understand the sef is not compulsory so I wouldn't stress too much about that... Management and leadership relates to assistants doesn't it so maybe not relevant?
There are lots of threads on here so just keep reading them. I know safe guarding and risk assessments and evidence of partnership working is really important. LJ style seems to be very personal choice so I'm sure what you have done is fine. Next steps can be very simple too. Planning can bs a few sentences especially if it's just one baby ....
What gets me is things like the childcare register that Sarah just posted about her partner on another thread .... I wonder how many more things there are that I just haven't heard about.
I've just done my knee in skiing so if they ring next week I'll have to put them off....
Good luck!

Me three! Anyway now I will getting the phone call. Like jadav said keep reading on here I've found it so beneficial. Also read today that if you Read thru the childcare requirements and Make sure you are doing everyone of them. I'm going to print it off and write how I implement each one. I've started my sef but I'm no good with words and finding it really hard. Well done for completing it already !

It is really difficult to put things into practice until your actually doing it I've changed the way in which I thought I would do things.

If your getting really worried can your local early years do help or other childminders n the area?
Good luck girls

What gets me is things like the childcare register that Sarah just posted about her partner on another thread .... I wonder how many more things there are that I just haven't heard about.
I've just done my knee in skiing so if they ring next week I'll have to put them off....
Good luck![/QUOTE]

It was reading about Sarahs husband that got me even more worried! If he isnt doing everything he should then theres no hope for me!!:panic:
I bought Sarahs ebook about SEF and that has helped a lot but its all the other things I dont know about.

Hope your knee improves soon x

Me three! Anyway now I will getting the phone call. Like jadav said keep reading on here I've found it so beneficial. Also read today that if you Read thru the childcare requirements and Make sure you are doing everyone of them. I'm going to print it off and write how I implement each one. I've started my sef but I'm no good with words and finding it really hard. Well done for completing it already !

It is really difficult to put things into practice until your actually doing it I've changed the way in which I thought I would do things.

If your getting really worried can your local early years do help or other childminders n the area?
Good luck girls


I do read for hours and hours on here and to be honest most of it just makes me more confused and of course everyone does things differently.

I will try reading through the childcare requirements if I can find them under this mountain of papers!

I also printed off the SEF first and filled it in by hand and then transferred it onto the computer, just got that one area to do. Sarahs ebook was useful and I also found a few example answers on the interest which were very helpful.

My DO cannot see me now until middle of April as she is so busy and my mentor is no use at all :(

Good luck to you both.

I too am panicking too, registered in September but my business is only just getting going so hard to review things that havent been in practice that long! I too keep finidng things I havent done, dont think I will ever be ready!ahhh

i dont know whether this will help ..from an Oustanding childminder in all categories...I didnt do the SEF form, have hardly any observations /planning as i know my children inside out and inspector agreed with me that childminders dont need to have obs done and planning as it needs to be childcentred..go with what the child likes and incorporate learning within that.. I research a lot on ideas for children..im totally into outside /sensory play and bring outside in and vice versa which she absolutely loved... I listed all my websites I use regularly..check out www.notsocute.com..fascinating and exactly what i do with the kids already but fantastic ideas !!!
I use lots of natural eco products found outside..

I am myself throughout inspections and can argue my point if i disagree with something theyve said... all my inspections ..touch wood have been brill and the last inspector said she wished her kids were young enough to come to me..what a reference heh!!! anyway I can help more ..just shout..by the way I made the inspector laugh as my version of a SEF form was headed..`why i think i`m a ****** good childminder `and listed my reasons..she said she loved it as it was a breath of fresh air and not boring!!!
have fun x

Thanks Shazza, and well done for your grade.

Is that the right website as its not loading www.notsocute.com ??

Finally heard that Ive got my inspection next week and the first thing she asked was Have you done your SEF? She said she will need to read it and for me to do any updates.
Also more of a problem now as I have new kids as of 2 weeks ago and its really hard going with them-3 month old baby who feeds every 2 hours and cries for the other 2 hours and her 19 month old sister who doesnt play with anything just throws stuff about!! Im absolutely exhausted and just dont know what to do with them. I know Im going to be the only one who gets inadequate :(

sorry i meant www.notjustcute.com...you`ll also find lots of links to toehr sites with fantastic ideas/research etc....enjoy x