CM club: Do OFSTED expect us to plan activities?

[Amylouise]

I have a reasonably well stocked art + crafts cupboard but my minded children aren't really interested.

I do ask if they'd like to do something but they prefer to just play with the toys, especially the after school kids.

Do I just leave them to it or try and encourage them to do a more structured activity?
What about at my ofsted inspection? I don't feel like I'm doing a very good job at the moment but the children are happy.

What do you think? Does everyone do activities with the children? Will ofsted expect me to show an example of this at my inspection?

ofsted like us to plan
but if the activity doesnt take place (as us childminders are flexible) it doesnt matter

for example if i planned a painting activity for the younger children and they were asleep/ill/not in the mood i would keep my plans for another day

i tend not to plan to much for after schoolers as they have been at it all day we only tend to do art for special occasions such as easter/christmas but have things at hand if they feel like it

my children love doing spare of the moment things such a bug hunting etc

Birth to three suggests the use of familiar toys (ie the ones that are out all the time) access to everything all the time (quite difficult to do) with child led planning

ie tommy like thomas (to the exclusion of all else) so can Thomas go in the sand tray with the dinosaurs

So the planning is more extension of the existing plan rather than imposed or adult insyigated play

(so no planning here then)

its harder for us childminders to follow things like birth to 3 because of our age ranges
for example play doh the babies will eat
water play can be difficult for the younger

just let ofsted hear what they want to hear then do it your own way

I use biscuit dough (no problem with eating)

Water play - very shallow or very small bowl - we use ice lots too

But I agree

like the ice cube idea but knowing my luck 8mth old would chock on one

Putting something in writing is what Ofsted like to see - and "planning" also includes things like going to a local toddler group or the park. You can have a very loose plan, which includes a school run, trip to toddler group, lunch, walk to park, interspersed with some singing and playing with toys. It doesn't mean you have to get the paint and glue pots out to produce works of art all the time.

I know a lot of wonderful childminders who are brilliant at their jobs, but don't feel the urge to put everything in writing and do heavy-duty planning. The children are happy, their parents are happy.

Take photos of the children playing (building brick towers, drawing on patio with chalk or whatever) - this will show Ofsted that you do do things with the children.

My afterschool children prefer to chill out after school - they might just manage to pick up a pencil or two and do some colouring, but currently prefer racing round the garden.