Ofstead register of childminders - what would make them say a childminder is satisfactory??

[needchildcare]

I have called all the good and outstanding childminders on the list but no joy as yet...

I do not want to call the satisfactory ones, buy I'm wondering why they would get that grade?

Also how else can I find them? I have looked on my local forums but have not found anyone yet....

It could be that they just that they are not good with the paperwork. I don't think Ofsted gives a full picture.

This is from Ofsted:
"Satisfactory ? sound but could be better. The standard of care is acceptable. Children?s progress is steady but slow. Inspectors will make recommendations for further improvement."
In reality it could mean that the childminder?s knowledge of the EYFS is weak. They may not be observing the children or planning activities that focus on the EYFS areas of Learning & Development. They might not have read or implemented the EYFS Welfare requirements, little but important things like having a Complaints procedure, register not completed correctly or not risk assessing outings. Or they may have just said to the inspector ?I?ve been doing this job for 20 yrs and you?re always telling me what to do!? (my inspector said she gets told this often- btw I?ve been doing this job for 20 yrs & no I didn?t say it ) There may be perfectly fine loving childminders with a satisfactory grade just because paperwork is not their strong point. On the other side are the childminders who deliberately just do enough but never push themselves to improve or embrace change You will only know by visiting them and trusting your instincts.
Where are you? I'm OS & I have a vacancy

ofsted are a waste of space

I know some tremendous CMs who have a satisfactory grade, because they have more to do than paperwork in their evenings and weekends. I also know some CMs rated good who are ..... not. If they are rated satisfactory, they have met all the guidelines, just not exceded them all. Go and visit a few and rely on your gut instinct. Also ask for references from parents of children in their care.

Don't childmind anymore, but when I did on one visit I got a good grading from the inspector and the report commented on my homely setting and how well I interacted with the children.

Three years later different inspector gave me satisfactory because I didn't have a notice up in my bathroom to remind children to wash their hands and I didn't do enough planning of activites to do with children, had two 1 year olds at the time one for one afternoon a week one for 2 days a fortnight and 2 children for an hour after school two nights a week, how much planning does that need!
It's part of the reason I gave up, I feel ofsted are interested in differnt things to what parents are. My advice would be to go visit as many as possible and see what you think.

I was graded satisfactory at my last inspection because I only had my grandaughter on roll at the time.I was furious as I had all my paperwork in order for her, had extensive resources, policies and proceedures all in place etc etc. If I hadnt mentioned to the inspector that she was related to me, she would have been none the wiser ( different surname address etc ). My only mistake was not being aware that minding a relation does not count and the maximum grade I could recieve was satisfactory ( it does explain this in my Inspection Report ).

To add insult to injury I asked the inspector what grade she would have awarded me if had not been my grandaughter she said a Good!!!!!!

Next Insection imminant and I glad to say Im full so lets see what grade I get this time.

Wish me luck!!!

There is nothing wrong with a satisfactory graded minder. A minder with that grading is meeting all the requirements.
There could be a number of reasons as to why someone is graded as such for example:
they are quite new to the job
they are happy providing the more 'basic' side of the job in respect of paperwork etc
depends which side of bed the inspector got out of
possible personality clash between inspector and minder
how hard-line the inspector is or how the inspector interprets EYFS requirements (I lost out on gaining an Outstanding in my inspection due to me and my inspector disagreeing on 2 points that she expected but was not stipulated in EYFS and also - her quote 'the 'type' of children I was caring for')
the minder may not have any mindees (EYFS) when inspection is due
the minder may only be minding relations at the time of inspection

there are many minders who are graded satisfactory and they are excellent minders.

surely satisfactory means they are satisfactory, is satisfied not enough any more? Ofsted do not have a standard that they all work to, which is just RIDICULOUS because it means it's all down to one persons opinion, what kind of standardisation is that? I have lots of exp with ofsted in school settings and lets say their idea of outstanding in one case should have been special measures, and one school got out of special measures with a satisfactory when 50% of staff were supply and on the day 19 students were on fixed term exclusions (all they inspected was the paperwork). The next day during the celebrations one of the students set fire to the stationary cupboard...

thank you all for replying, I'm glad I asked as will now give them a call... Any other tips for finding a good childminder?

Finding a good minder:

trust your gut reaction - do you LIKE this person, do you fall into conversation with them, do they listen
are they interested in you and your child
do they interact with your child
the house may not be tidy but is it safe, a good variety of toys that are clean, age appropriate, fun, intersting (visit during minding hours where possible or arrange to go back for a quick visit during minding hours)
does the minder clearly and openly explain her terms and conditions - are they willing to repsond to your queries
what does your child think/how do they react
is the atmosphere warm, welcoming, stimulating
what sort of activities and experiences will your minder be offering, childminding should be a good balance of home based care and being out and about ie playgroup, visiting the shops - NOT being out all the time
do they go to groups, meet with others etc
what are their views on mealtimes, behaviour managment
can you speak to current clients and are their references from previous clients (this might not be possible if they are new to the job)

I do think the best gauge is how you and your child feel with the minder/in their home

Be clear in your mind what you want -
a minder with pets/no pets
close to certain schools/playgroups
do you want the minder to specifically take your child to certain groups (this could be negotiable with some minders but in no way a given)
a younger/older/female/male minder

check out www.childmindingforum.co.uk
there are lots of minders on there - some might be in your area. there is also lots of advice available to parents searching for childcare

Really good advice here. I second going with your gut instinct. When you find somebody who is right you will know.

FWIW, my daughter's childminder is rated satisfactory, and she is absolutely fantastic. I couldn't rate her highly enough.

pippin - thank you for the advice, i did not know about the childminding forum, will have a look now.