Is it compulsory to do self evaluation - childminders

[Saltire]

Because I got graded satifactory today, and was told by the inspector that it was because I hadn't done my online self evaluation.
I was not being able to actually access the bloody thing

No, SEF is not compulsory. However, if you are not using SEF you have to show how else you are reflecting on your practice.

I did that, and she was happy with it, but said I still needed to use the SEF!

oh now that is not on

grrrrr

if you demonstrated reflection then that should not be a reason to mark you down

have a chat with your early years team, and I would consider complaining about the grading esp if your EYT support you

booooo to inspector

I've just done mine as my improvement advisor said she had realised it was the difference between grades!

I've never done the SEF.
I make up my own which is about 2 pages of A4 listing roughly what I do in terms of keeping healthy, implementation of EYFS etc. and list a couple of points of how I think I can improve.
I've always had goods and last time she said it was the clearest form of SEF she'd seen and far better than the online one.
I'd give them a ring and kick up a bit of a fuss ( as long as you showed some form of self reflection!)

For my grading visit, I too had problems with the online version when I tried to complete it in advance.

So I used a 'word' version that I was able to edit myself, as there were some sections that were just not big enough for what I wanted to include, & e-mailed it to the inspector.

I have to say that for me, that this was probably the single most useful thing I did in preparation for the visit - not only did it reinforce in my mind what we do in our setting, but it effectively did some of the inspector's work for her, in the sense that what I'd mentioned in the SE, was exactly what she could see in the setting - there was no question of me trying to pull the wool over her eyes.

So I cannot recommend highly enough that CMs use this in an effective way to boost the good work that they do with the children they care for.

I too have neve done The SEF, have done my own,
I have also been led to belive that its good pratice to have a SEF, but not a requirement?

She didn't look round house/at toys/garden etc.
She spent 2.5 hours looking at paperwork and pulling me up on it.

I have a "permission to seek emergency help" on contracts, but no it's not good enough I have to apparently have it on the info sheet parents give CM too.
She pulled me up on loads of other things which I think were fine too
She said the care I offer (what she saw) is of an outstanding quality and the reports I got from the parents was great but she was obliged to mark me down because of the SEF.

Saltire that sounds mad. I don't do SEF online but have pages of self evaluation and improvement to practise and reflection with dates etc.

I would complain.

You MUST challenge this. I have never done a SEF but was able to show other ways in which I reflect on & consequently develop my practice & I got Outstanding in all areas. I'm not bragging, just demonstrating it can be done. the SEF is not compulsory, just advisory.
I can't understand why your permission for seeking emergency help isn't good enough either, the requirement is that you have it in writing but it doesn't stipulate where or how.
I would check all her comments against the welfare requirements and note what it states you must do, how you are complying with this & what the inspector said. Put this, plus the fact that the inspector did not observe you and your resources into a letter to Ofsted and request they review your report and if necessary reinspect.

It depends whether you were pulled up for not doing the Ofsted SEF, or whether you were pulled up for not doing any self evaluation .....

You don't have to do theirs, but you do have to self evaluate.