EYFS Observation Question! How Do You Do It?!

[AskABusyPerson]

I have a set of very part-time twins aged 3 for whom I am 'doing' the EYFS, they come to me twice a week term-time only 8-3.30 and go to pre-school both days 9.15-11.45!).

Following the advice in an NCMA leaflet I got emailed, I have been filling in a 'cloud' sheet each week (adapted from the BCMA site) of two or three one-liner type statements of things they've said or done and then I've gone through each area of L&D to link in each observation with a Development Matters statement. Then once a month I've done a 10-minute observation and linked this to the DM statements and written down any 'Next Steps' that I could take. I've also done assessment pages where I noted down how their learning and development was progressing and I've also met with the pre-school they attend and 'compared notes' with them, and shared the folder with their mum who added some lovely comments to it.

A childminder friend, who started doing the same as me, has had her Ofsted inspection and was told she didn't need to be so detailed and it was too much (though good work).

What have you been doing and has anyone had their inspection and if so, what have they been told about it all?!!!

This is obviously on top of the planning, risk assessments, policies and permissions etc etc!

i just do 1 observation a month on each mindee, i also do a scrap book of what they have done, although this isn't linked to a statement. i've been told this is enough, however i havnt had an expection yet.

As a guide to what Ofsted are asking for, have a look on the Ofsted website at some of the childminder inspection reports done since EYFS became the requirement in September. Most of the recommendations are around observation, assessment and planning, while most of the actions are on risk assessment.
There is a great example of how to do minimal paperwork, yet fulfil all the requirements, in the EYFS Evidence File on the EYFS in Practice website. here This method really works and is easy to maintain.

Thanks for the tips NM, hadn't thought of looking at inspection reports!