CM's pre registration interview - advice please!

[fantus]

Hello all. I have lurked often on these threads, particularly since completing my childminding training during my mat leave last year and now I am hoping for some words of wisdom and advice!

I contacted Ofsted this week to ask where my application was up to - forms all sent off last month - and was told all my checks have come back fine and all that is required now is a visit from an inspector to interview me. She said I could expect a call any day now and they could be out soon after that. So now I am panicking a bit that I am not as ready as I thought I was! Can you please remind me everything I need to have in place and also what kind of questions I might be asked so I can get swatting!

Off the top of my head I have files for my policies and procedures, risk assessments, sample parent info pack, sample weekly activity timetable, sample menu, safeguarding and complaints file and sample file for mindee. I am sure there is lots more I should have but can't think what. Any help will be much appreciated

Many thanks

Bump

Anyone?

have you baby-proofed your property - stairgates up, cupboard latches on, drawer-closers fitted?

have you thought about how to get an amount of children out of your premises in an emergency? draw up a floor-plan, with exit routes, to show how you would get out (hand drawn is fine)

It's been so long since I was first registered, I am a bit stumped

oh, yes, start a checklist for weekly testing of your fire alarm and co2 detector

draw up a 'wish-list' of resources you would like to acquire - this can be toys, outdoor equipment, a double buggy to show the inspector that you are already thinking of how to improve your setting

produce, laminate and display a welcome sign in various languages, have you a no-smoking sign up

um um I'll have a think and come back

Thankyou BALD.

House is baby proofed (I have an 11 month old) but will go around and double check all the safety catches again.

Do I need a co2 detector or is this just good practice? I am going to try and get everything sorted this weekend and will be getting some final bits and pieces (fire blanket, lock for side gate) so will add this to the shopping list if needs be.

Do I need the signs already or can these go on my wish list (along with a laminator )

Any idea what questions I might be asked?
I really appreciate the help!

Don't panic!

My pre-reg inspection lasted about 20 minutes, the inspector did a cursory look over the house to make sure it was safe and asked a couple of questions (one about the car, which I don't use as I don't drive) and about plug socket covers (which I don't use as I think they're more dangerous than not having them, www.fatallyflawed.org.uk has more info)

She didn't look over any paperwork (just asked if I had risk assessments) and asked nothing about EYFS.

If you get the NCMA start up pack then your fire blanket comes in there, so you don't need one yet. I don't have a CO2 detector in the house, nor did she mention it.

They don't expect everything to be ready to go at the pre-reg visit, it's just to see if your house is safe, and you know what you need to have in the future.

Thanks for that. I will probably get the newly appointed eager to please inspector that spends 3 hours checking and rechecking my risk assessments!

I thought that about the fire blanket. There are a few other things I was going to buy today but thought I would wait and see if I got registered first! I will explain if asked that I will put them in place as soon as my registration comes through (things like first aid kits, booster seat for dining table)

Is it true you get inspected within 6 months of registering? What if you don't have any mindees yet (I am hoping I do but you never know)

thanks again

Last time I had an inspection, the inspector was more interested in the EYFS paperwork. My house could have been the most dangerous (it was clean and very safe inside and out).

I think she should have checked everything, I got a good which I am pleased about and I will endeavour to get a good or even outstanding on my next one which will be next year.

I wish all OFSTED inspectors were consistent - they all say different things - are they not trained in the same way. It just confuses us, we childminders work dam hard to give the quality of care to children but the observations we have to do take that away from us. We can't play with the child/ren we have to watch and observe. We work on our own, not with other staff (unless you are lucky enough to have an assistant), how are we supposed to do this and have a family life? I am tired after a day of minding then I have to see to my own family and then I want to relax!!!

Fantus Yes you do. Am awaiting the dreaded call at the moment. If you don't have mindees they postpone, they can't really inspect you if you've done nothing to inspect :)