First Ofsted inspection

[karen23]

I've just had a phone call this morning from ofsted saying I've got my first inspection next week. The lady that did my suitable persons interview was quite harsh and nearly made me cry, (not just me other childminders I've met on courses have said the same) I nearly decided to pack it in before I started. Thankfully it's another inspector and not her but I don't know what to expect. What happens in the inspection?

Hi Karen - hope your minding is going well

OFSTED will prob want to see

insurances pub lia & car
policies for behaviour/safety/cp/equal opps etc
fire escape plan (written down) & evidence that you have done a fire drill
a wish list of toys/books you want
for you to point out any multicultural/equal opps toys/resources that you have
for you to explain how you would/could adapt your house for a child with sp needs

i'll think of some more soon (I'm sure)

Thank you! I was offered a course about the new inspection procedure but kept putting it off and now it's too late!! I've got everything on that list so hopefully I'll be alright

Hi ya Karen I just had my first graded inspection last week and pleased to say I got a good

She looked at all my paperwork and I had lots! the more information she has the less questions you get
I had questionaires filled in and references from the parents which she really liked.
Make sure your certificate is on show for parents to see and not in your prospectus, apparently thats a new thing they look for
She asked questions on child protection and how I keep children safe also questions on B23, and wanted to see my observations
Apart from that just relax and play with the children she will watch, listen and type everything into her laptop

Good luck, hope some of that is helpful, I am sure you will do well

Thanks for that tracey. I'm hoping she comes early in the week so I can get it over with!

Tracey, what sort of questionaires did you show her? It's sounds like a really good idea, I've asked my mindees mums to do references but they said they would rather wait until their children left before giving one, maybe if I explain that they're for Ofsted thay might do them for me.

I just put simple questions in like
is your child happy in my care?
how do you think I could improve my setting?
what do I do well in my setting?
are you happy with the healthy meals/snacks I provide?
and others along those lines.

I asked parents for references so that I could show ofsted and also to show to any prospective parents and they were all happy to write one for me, so do try and ask your parents again

let me know how your inspection goes and remember this is your moment to show off your setting, and to let ofsted see what a great childminder you are!