I am not disappointed with my "satisfactory" rating. I am a new childminder, I knew I was lacking in certain areas so I wasn't expecting outstanding, although a 'good' would have been appreciated!
What came as a shock was the underlying tone of the report and the number of actions and recommendations. Also the depth of the observations required and the amount of planning I am expected to do.
To be fair, the Early Years Team is not to blame and neither is the inspector. There is a criteria against which I am measured, and in some of these criterias I am/was lacking.
I do daily diaries. I do write observations and so on, but apparently that's not enough. I need to plan for 'next steps'. So for example, it is not enough to say, "x pulled themselves to standing, next step is to stand unaided". I have to describe in detail how x stood to standing, what steps I am going to take to encourage x to stand unaided, what equipment I need to make accessible to x to make that possible and so on. I am expected to do this with all the children in my care, even with the school-aged children. This causes further difficulties, as I am expected to 'communicate' with the school, who are not see keen to reciprocate. I was told that so long that I can prove that I have done all I can to engage with the other setting, that would be enough. Which is easier said than done but that's another thread topic.
There were several 'key words' and sentences in the report. 'Self-evaluation' is a big one. 'Information sharing' was another. "develop further systems" and "to ensure effective x, y, z" were frequent phrases too.
The parents who use my services are happy. It is the children that keep going and because I am blessed with the most wonderful mindees and parents, who think that I am "the best" despite what any report says. 