Reference for CM for Ofsted help

[Katisha]

My excellent CM has asked me to write a reference to show the Ofsted inspector who is coming any day now.

I am tempted to use it as a general rant against the sort of guff the Ofsted seem to want to impose on her but will refrain.

So what sort of things will an inspector want to see on a reference? I don't want to scupper the CM with my own agenda which probably flies in the face of everything that Ofsted holds dear...(ie she can sit and cuddle them all day if that's what they need and I don't give a monkeys about any early learning curriculum/no smoking notices/prescription only Calpol...)

How kind of you to write something (& to worry about it). I'd put stuff like:

*That you work together for the benefit of the children

*That you like her approach

*That you cannot fault her care

*That she spends time with the children when they need 121 rather than prioritising paperwork

I'm sure there is stuff you would like to put in, don't worry if it's not formal

Thanks Katy - I'm just writing it now. Kind of hard to know where to pitch it!

Take out the names & post it

I good at being critical Sorry I think I am coming across a bit blunter than normal - I'm not well

Wrong thread?

No - but if you want to post your reference - some of us childminders might be constructive - don't worry if you know what you are at & are happy that fine - you just sounded a bit unsure

You could always ask her if there is anything she would like the reference to say. For eaxmple you might comoliment her in an area where she might have needed improvement in her last ofsted report.

Definitely don't use it as a rant against Ofsted. It will not change any regulations but could reflect poorly on your lovely childminder. Resist temptation.

I haven't had an Ofsted inspection under EYFS, so I'm only guessing what might be useful to include. I know that working in partnership with parents is considered very important, so whatever you write is bound to be very helpful. consider:-

communication - eg daily diary, how does she inform you about her child's day and how is this useful/helpful to you?

your child's needs and developments - what toys/activities/books/outings has she provided that are of particular relevance to your child's interests and development? What does your child enjoy there? Does your child enjoy being a part of the community - toddler groups, libaries etc. Where else does she take your child? Does your child enjoy playing outside, does she have a great garden or go out a lot?

policies/procedures - are these easy to understand, well-thought out?

personality, what do you like about her, what made you choose her?

HTH

OK thanks all. Well I have written it and given it to her - she seemed very pleased. I haven't ranted about Ofsted or any of the other bolleaux! Pretty much follows what people have said here.
Decided not to post it on here as it's pretty specific to her. I suppose I just wanted to know what a CM would like said about her when the inspector came to call!

Good - I'm glad you're sorted