OFSTED are coming on wednesday for my registration visit!

In my records, I write down the time they arrived and the time they left. In brackets, I write down their contracted hours (in case I forget when doing bills!).

If mindee is picked up at 4.30pm, but due to be picked up at 5.00pm - my bill will still charge till 5.00pm, but my records will show that they were collected at 4.30pm. This is, from the sound of it, exactly what you do? I can imagine my parents being really impressed if I have to start asking them to sign this on a daily basis if they don't arrive on the dot!!

Haven't seen these NCMA forms you've mentioned. Can you use them for giving "more serious" medication if you are using your own judgement about it rather than something which is given on a regular basis? (eg. asthma)

If they were due a to go at 5 and mum picked up at 4.30, then had an accident.......you would be responsible??unless you had evidence that they weren't there (in an extremem case)

For the Calpol I have one of those use anytime NCMA forms for all the kids

Katymac - I already write down when mindees actually arrive and leave, but have never been told parents should sign anything. OFSTED were amazed that I did this in the first place (this was a long time ago!) as most minders didn't know they were supposed to (but I'd heard it through the grapevine from a minder who'd been picked up on it during their inspection). Having parents sign for this is a new one on me, and it's not something I've heard about anyone else doing in my area.

These poor parents will go nuts if I start asking them to sign for this as well!! Some time ago, one of my mindees was dropped off at some group we were attending, which was being organised by Social Services, network group, etc. The mum said, in front of All The Important People, to give Calpol if her dds teeth started causing a problem - I said that I ought to have written permission for this first (very tongue in cheek as I knew exactly how the mum would react). She dutifully laughed and told me to "bog off" and raced off to work.

The Prisoner - the parents should sign and write the time to protect you - it's a CP thing (you could just write any time - if they have to sign it has to be accurate)

chatee - what do you mean about having a register for parents to sign in/out etc? I write down the actual time mindees arrive and leave, but I don't ask parents to sign anything.

Was just wondering how long it took from when you applied to when ofstead contacted you? I applied about 6 weeks ago but havent had my home visit date yet? Should i be worried?

just a quick one,
you will need a register for parents to sign in/out time collected/ who collects/visitors to the home also noted on this register....
a menu is a very good idea

Titles of policies, something like:

Welcome to my home
Mission Statement
Terms and Conditions
Partnership with parents
Equal Opps
Managing Behaviour
Emergency Procedure
Sickness and Administering Medication
Food
Child Protection
Health and Safety
Confidentiality
Lost Child
Comments/Complaints

Probably missed some out!

I did a menu plan and this went down well

good luck for your Registration visit on Wednesday

I agree with Icemum about not buying specific equipment or extra toys until you know how old your first mindee would be, but obviously try to be aware of what you might need (age-appropriate car seats? reins/wrist straps?) to demonstrate to the inspector that you've thought about it.

Do you have to have policies actually completed for this inspection?

You need to be aware of having written permission from parents for lots of things - going out, taking mindees in car, seeking emergency medical treatment etc. I don't think you would have to have this all written up properly, but write lists!!

You will need business rate insurance for your car if you use it - you can tell inspector you know this.

I don't think you'd have to have a proper menu plan done (that can be another item on your list!) but you can tell inspector how important providing healthy, nutritious meals/snacks is.

I think it's so scary for newly-registering minders - there is so much that it seems that you have to do, but the main part is just being aware that (ideally) you have to work towards some of these goals.

I work as a mentor for newly-registering minders, and the best piece of advice I would give is to try and relax! The inspector isn't looking to trip you up!! Good luck.

Don't go mad and buy lots of equipment straight away, but draw up a wish list of things that you will need. This shows the inspector that you have thought about what to do in certain situations. i.e highchairs, fire guards etc.

Good Stuff! I am in Scotland and i'm waiting on my first visit from the Care Commision, I'm hoping to be registered by March, I have most of my Policies and Procedures printed out, but like you I will have my two kids around when they visit, so no I wouldn't have her out the house! Good Luck and let me know how you get on!