CHILDMINDERS letter to ofstead what would you want included

[MJW1999]

Hello this is more a question for childminders. I have a great childminder set up ready for my LO in a few months and they are due to be inspected soon. I have been asked to email over a parent feedback for them to show their inspector. I want to know how would I format it and any key points that will help my childminder get the rating they deserve! They really are great and I’d love to reflect this in my email but I haven’t got any idea how to format it and I don’t want it to be unusable or confusing. Any templates drafts or completed ones that I can look at or any other feedback would be really helpful. I will not copy it as I have my own positive comments but I just don’t know how to format it all. TIA xx

But you don't want her to say anything or would it be different if she said she wasn't happy?

I wrote a statement for our childminder for their inspection.

As you've only had settling in so far that's all you can comment on, rather than just saying something generic like yeah they're fab write why.

Although x is new to the setting I have found the settling in sessions great because of y. Communication from first enquiring about a space to now is z. I am looking forward to my child starting in this setting as childminder has explained xyz. As well as feeling confident in my child being here I feel supported in this what can be daunting time.

Of course if you weren't happy and had concerns you'd write those! But in this case doesn't sound like you do.

No it isn't. Someone who is currently going through settling in sessions and has it fresh in their mind has worthwhile 'feedback' to give. The statements when put together (as they will be) give an overall picture- im sure she has also asked other families who have been in her care.

@jannier no I think she should comment on the settling in sessions - but they don't give much of an insight into the setting and won't make any difference to the final outcome.

She's talking about writing a massive letter about the childminder because apparently she's been a family childminder for years, which presumably she has not done for OP.

I have commented on the settling in sessions and only that as obviously I cannot comment on the other areas. Yes I know her from family experiences with her yet obviously I am not commenting specifically on that as it’s not necessarily relevant however her helping support my LO who has separation anxiety by going above and beyond what is to be expected all without any financial implications towards myself which she genuinely doesn’t have to do is worth being highlighted. Obviously you seem to have an issue with a childminder asking for feedback with a child who yes is transitioning into their care but isn’t fully transitioned yet but I think that it’s a positive of her setting AND is wortbthem knowing. If you have an issue with it then read and move on. No need to argue with everyone in the comments

@MJW1999 I wasn't arguing with anyone. I have my opinion and people got offended.

Fair enough if she's gone above and beyond. Hopefully she gets a nice ofsted report and they don't give her all the grief PP's experienced

You realise OP isn't writing the OFSTED report right? Parent testimonials are read by the inspector but they only form a small part and things written still have to be backed up elsewhere. They'll be clear OPs child has only been there since x date, but its a good way to get an insight into how the things they observe, are told and are evidenced by the childminder translate into value.

@Tarantullah oh no way, I thought OP was the ofsted inspector asking how to write a report 🙄

THIS

As I've explained settling, post Covid is very important. Have you read the inspection guidance? In itself any one piece of evidence won't determine a grade the inspector looks at the guidance and puts everything together.

Having read all comments above as I'm sure you have please elaborate