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Best activities to do during Ofsted inspection?

28 replies

Runoutofideas · 20/09/2012 10:47

Hi,
I am due my first grading inspection in the next few weeks. Just wondered what activities have worked well for during the inspection itself? I will have either 2 or 3 two year olds depending which day the inspector comes. I was thinking of having playdough out, plus sand and water outside. They particularly like water with fairy liquid in to play with, so thought that would show I was following their interests/preferences. Normal stuff like play food, dollies books etc willl be round for free play as usual but don't know if I need to arrange more than this? We would normally go out rather than spend all morning at home so I need to make sure they are all happily occupied.... How long did your inspection take? I'm thinking it'll be a couple of hours? Any help or advice gratefully received!

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Nottigermum · 20/09/2012 11:33

A Treasure basket;
Play spaghetti (cooked spag with a drop of food colouring, it's very touchy feely and they can put it in their mouth) on a tray with a tea set;
Go out in garden show them flowers, trees, birds, etc
Ask the kids to help you wash their toys outside with sponges and cloths, or give a baby doll a bath
Set up your play room as a shop with plastic food and a till and baskets, so you can talk about fruits, vegetables, etc
Put out doctors kit and play doctors' with dolls and teddies, that gives you an opportunity to talk about measurements, body parts, weight, which one is the biggest, which one is the lightest. Put on bandages on the dolls which is great for fine motor skills.

Make the playdoh yourself and put other things in it, such as uncooked pasta, glitter, etc. It gives different shapes and textures to play with.

Prepare your healthy snacks in advance

I think that a bit of free play and a bit of organised play shoes that you have prepared yourself and thought about what you were going to do.

RationalBrain · 20/09/2012 11:27

My CM got stickers out and my two stuck them on a shaker thing they had made (beads and a plastic bottle), with sticking streamers on etc. Kept them busy, but not too potentially messy. The inspector was there for hours though! She had to leave her to it to put one of the babies to bed in the end.

wishiwasonholiday · 20/09/2012 11:22

I had babies at my first inspection and they just played with toys, they then did an unannounced visit as I had a malicious complaint made and they watched tv! The inspector was fine as she said they were obviously very happy with me and shd understood that I was too upset to do activities, just plan s few bits and explain you usually go to the park etc, she may even go out with you! A cm I know had to go on the preschool run with her inspector.