CHILDMINDERS letter to ofstead what would you want included

MJW1999 · 2023-05-04T12:50:10+00:00

Hello this is more a question for childminders. I have a great childminder set up ready for my LO in a few months and they are due to be inspected soon. I have been asked to email over a parent feedback for them to show their inspector. I want to know how would I format it and any key points that will help my childminder get the rating they deserve! They really are great and I’d love to reflect this in my email but I haven’t got any idea how to format it and I don’t want it to be unusable or confusing. Any templates drafts or completed ones that I can look at or any other feedback would be really helpful. I will not copy it as I have my own positive comments but I just don’t know how to format it all. TIA xx

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jannier · 06/05/2023 00:46

Gentlemenplease · 05/05/2023 19:11

THIS

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Having read all comments above as I'm sure you have please elaborate

jannier · 06/05/2023 00:45

GoodChat · 05/05/2023 09:16

@jannier no I think she should comment on the settling in sessions - but they don't give much of an insight into the setting and won't make any difference to the final outcome.

She's talking about writing a massive letter about the childminder because apparently she's been a family childminder for years, which presumably she has not done for OP.

As I've explained settling, post Covid is very important. Have you read the inspection guidance? In itself any one piece of evidence won't determine a grade the inspector looks at the guidance and puts everything together.

Gentlemenplease · 05/05/2023 19:11

GoodChat · 04/05/2023 18:24

You don't know that she's a great childminder yet and the fact she's asking for parents who haven't used her yet to give good feedback rather than families who have used her previously is a bed red flag to me

THIS

GoodChat · 05/05/2023 19:09

@Tarantullah oh no way, I thought OP was the ofsted inspector asking how to write a report 🙄

Tarantullah · 05/05/2023 17:18

GoodChat · 05/05/2023 16:56

@MJW1999 I wasn't arguing with anyone. I have my opinion and people got offended.

Fair enough if she's gone above and beyond. Hopefully she gets a nice ofsted report and they don't give her all the grief PP's experienced

You realise OP isn't writing the OFSTED report right? Parent testimonials are read by the inspector but they only form a small part and things written still have to be backed up elsewhere. They'll be clear OPs child has only been there since x date, but its a good way to get an insight into how the things they observe, are told and are evidenced by the childminder translate into value.

GoodChat · 05/05/2023 16:56

@MJW1999 I wasn't arguing with anyone. I have my opinion and people got offended.

Fair enough if she's gone above and beyond. Hopefully she gets a nice ofsted report and they don't give her all the grief PP's experienced

Original poster

MJW1999 · 05/05/2023 13:59

GoodChat · 05/05/2023 09:16

@jannier no I think she should comment on the settling in sessions - but they don't give much of an insight into the setting and won't make any difference to the final outcome.

She's talking about writing a massive letter about the childminder because apparently she's been a family childminder for years, which presumably she has not done for OP.

I have commented on the settling in sessions and only that as obviously I cannot comment on the other areas. Yes I know her from family experiences with her yet obviously I am not commenting specifically on that as it’s not necessarily relevant however her helping support my LO who has separation anxiety by going above and beyond what is to be expected all without any financial implications towards myself which she genuinely doesn’t have to do is worth being highlighted. Obviously you seem to have an issue with a childminder asking for feedback with a child who yes is transitioning into their care but isn’t fully transitioned yet but I think that it’s a positive of her setting AND is wortbthem knowing. If you have an issue with it then read and move on. No need to argue with everyone in the comments

OP posts:

GoodChat · 05/05/2023 09:16

@jannier no I think she should comment on the settling in sessions - but they don't give much of an insight into the setting and won't make any difference to the final outcome.

She's talking about writing a massive letter about the childminder because apparently she's been a family childminder for years, which presumably she has not done for OP.

Tarantullah · 05/05/2023 09:06

GoodChat · 04/05/2023 18:24

You don't know that she's a great childminder yet and the fact she's asking for parents who haven't used her yet to give good feedback rather than families who have used her previously is a bed red flag to me

No it isn't. Someone who is currently going through settling in sessions and has it fresh in their mind has worthwhile 'feedback' to give. The statements when put together (as they will be) give an overall picture- im sure she has also asked other families who have been in her care.

Tarantullah · 05/05/2023 09:05

Of course if you weren't happy and had concerns you'd write those! But in this case doesn't sound like you do.

Tarantullah · 05/05/2023 09:04

I wrote a statement for our childminder for their inspection.

As you've only had settling in so far that's all you can comment on, rather than just saying something generic like yeah they're fab write why.

Although x is new to the setting I have found the settling in sessions great because of y. Communication from first enquiring about a space to now is z. I am looking forward to my child starting in this setting as childminder has explained xyz. As well as feeling confident in my child being here I feel supported in this what can be daunting time.

jannier · 05/05/2023 09:01

GoodChat · 05/05/2023 05:51

@MJW1999 childcare settings aren't the kind of situation where you say something nice or say nothing.

But you don't want her to say anything or would it be different if she said she wasn't happy?

jannier · 05/05/2023 09:00

GoodChat · 05/05/2023 05:52

@jannier I don't have any problem with childminders, I just would never give feedback after a couple of settling in sessions or trust the feedback of someone who does.

But it's not about buying a product or service the point of the inspection is gathering evidence of all service users from starting to leaving if you ask a parent 4 years in how did you find settling your child they wouldn't even remember if they felt that improvements could be made or were impressed because it's irrelevant to them....the input should include anything that could be better too.
The inspector takes hours looking at everything you wouldn't get an outstanding rating on one feedback form. In fact very little paperwork is looked at most is observation and verbal questions fired at you while you're working so no time to think...ie whiles feeding a child or in the middle of a messy activity you may be asked what is that child( who's wondered off having finished and self selected a toy from the cupboard) getting from that activity to meet next steps? Where are they in their development? And it's continual.
My inspector spent 5 hours grilling me while watching and 15 minutes talking to parents with 15 or so looking at paperwork. It's a tough process no breaks I didn't even get a drink.

GoodChat · 05/05/2023 05:52

@jannier I don't have any problem with childminders, I just would never give feedback after a couple of settling in sessions or trust the feedback of someone who does.

GoodChat · 05/05/2023 05:51

@MJW1999 childcare settings aren't the kind of situation where you say something nice or say nothing.

jannier · 04/05/2023 22:30

GoodChat · 04/05/2023 18:24

You don't know that she's a great childminder yet and the fact she's asking for parents who haven't used her yet to give good feedback rather than families who have used her previously is a bed red flag to me

Why assume she's not asking all contracted families? Don't you like childminders or something?

jannier · 04/05/2023 22:28

febrezeme · 04/05/2023 20:14

I wouldn't give feedback based on settling in sessions......

Why? They are often the most important times for children and families and if not done right can cause issues. People really do underestimate the importance of good settling and building positive relationships I guess because few nurseries bother.

jannier · 04/05/2023 22:25

MJW1999 · 04/05/2023 21:47

Thank you 😊 I deal with them with my work so know how much of an anxiety inducing time it can be and really want to show the inspector the positive experience we’ve had. Thank you for your response. She really has gone above and beyond for us (as she does with all parents) and she does offer more free settling in sessions than what others do which is also to help both child and mother/care giver feel reassured which we felt would be a good idea to show to the inspector.

It's a brilliant idea

jannier · 04/05/2023 22:24

GoodChat · 04/05/2023 19:45

@Mammalamma it's a red flag because she's essentially asking the op to lie rather than just using current or previous customers. Ofsted don't need loads of letters, but they need transparency

If settling has begun the op is a current customer and the child will be in the attendance register....Ofsted looks at the register and can see the child comes an hour or two....they also ask about ages of children, any send, ESOL, funded children etc it's very detailed.

jannier · 04/05/2023 22:21

GoodChat · 04/05/2023 18:24

You don't know that she's a great childminder yet and the fact she's asking for parents who haven't used her yet to give good feedback rather than families who have used her previously is a bed red flag to me

She's asking for feedback on the way she's offering settling in and how supportive she is in that process....you obviously put in your feedback settling started on x we have done X sessions totalling y hours. I am due to start a full time contract on ...... Just as you would for a reference in a job.
Childminders are asked to get feedback from all current families...ie those with contracts post covid settling and supporting attachment is a big thing with lots of children struggling.
Ofsted also asks to meet or phone parents to discuss the service so like to come when children are picked up/dropped but call if that's not possible.
How much of the inspection process are you familiar with?

Original poster

MJW1999 · 04/05/2023 21:47

Thank you 😊 I deal with them with my work so know how much of an anxiety inducing time it can be and really want to show the inspector the positive experience we’ve had. Thank you for your response. She really has gone above and beyond for us (as she does with all parents) and she does offer more free settling in sessions than what others do which is also to help both child and mother/care giver feel reassured which we felt would be a good idea to show to the inspector.

OP posts:

Mammalamma · 04/05/2023 21:41

MJW1999 · 04/05/2023 21:30

She is a great Childminder. She also has asked other parents. She’s childminded for my family for years. She’s been exceptional in the settling in process and truly has reassured me as a FTM who has to return to work. She hasn’t asked that I lie nor has she forced me to do this. I simply asked for some advice on the format of it not asking you to tell me not to do it or if it’s a red flag…….. Personally I think that if you haven’t got anything constructive to say then don’t say anything at all… you may be bored and wishing to cause drama but most people on here ask a specific question for an answer to that question not for judgement from other mums. Idk if you have an issue with childminders in general or not but I wasn’t asking you your opinion on that or if it’s a red flag I asked how to write it.

I think it’s lovely that you want to write a letter of support. Just go over how welcome you and your little one have been made to feel, the points that you think are great and how you feel about leaving your little one with her. She sounds like a lovely childminder and it’s good for OFSTED to see that she is recognised for that. You could always add in the letter that you’re happy to be contacted should the inspector require any further information. I wouldn’t worry about the format as such, just imagine your writing to a friend to say how lovely your experience has been.

Original poster

MJW1999 · 04/05/2023 21:30

She is a great Childminder. She also has asked other parents. She’s childminded for my family for years. She’s been exceptional in the settling in process and truly has reassured me as a FTM who has to return to work. She hasn’t asked that I lie nor has she forced me to do this. I simply asked for some advice on the format of it not asking you to tell me not to do it or if it’s a red flag…….. Personally I think that if you haven’t got anything constructive to say then don’t say anything at all… you may be bored and wishing to cause drama but most people on here ask a specific question for an answer to that question not for judgement from other mums. Idk if you have an issue with childminders in general or not but I wasn’t asking you your opinion on that or if it’s a red flag I asked how to write it.

OP posts:

febrezeme · 04/05/2023 20:14

I wouldn't give feedback based on settling in sessions......

Mammalamma · 04/05/2023 20:07

GoodChat · 04/05/2023 19:45

@Mammalamma it's a red flag because she's essentially asking the op to lie rather than just using current or previous customers. Ofsted don't need loads of letters, but they need transparency

But she hasn’t asked the op to lie, she’s merely asked for feedback. Why would you assume she’s asking op to lie? The childminder is merely asking for feedback on the op’s experiences so far 🤷🏼‍♀️