Preparing for inspection.....

[Littlepurpleprincess]

I am a childminder and my first inspection is due end of june-ish. I've only had mindees for a week. I am concerned that I won't have much to show Ofsted, like planning and that, especially long term planning.

Can anyone tell me what to expect from them, what do they actually look for.

I'm a bit nervous...

I'm a childminder as well and am waiting for the dreaded call from ofsted too!
Have you looked on www.childmindingforum.co.uk
There are loads of brilliant ideas and tips from experienced childminders on there.
Good luck!

Im due my first inspection very soon!
Im not sure on everything you need to have ready but I have these all ready
Policies
child records
planning-activities,medium and long term
observations
fire drills
smoke alarm records
SEF nearly complete!

Im sure theres other things but cant quite remember off the top of my head!

Written risk assessments - for your home and for each 'type' of outing you do.

Signed permission slips.

Registration certificate on display.

Thankyou. I've got all paper work and policies done, it's just planning I'm a bit worried about.

I had my inspection Last November, went well. Here are some ideas you may wish to take on:-

Ensure that your first aid kit is well stock, perhaps have you emergency numbers on the box or may inside it. Dont regot to inclue gloves.

Have a small first aid kit for your bag.

Its a good idea to do a questionnaire for your parents, even if its only one parent.

Dont forget to do your self evaluation form, its takes a while so start as soon as possible.

If you have not joined a toy library or childminding group, good idea to do this.

Ensure that you have done all the things you were told to do on your first visit from Ofsted.

Be famular with safe guarding.

hope that helps!!

Ask your parents to do a 'reference' for you too - their views are important and parents rarely get the chance to share them with 'The Big O'.

The point about EYFS is supposed to be that it doesn't revolve around formal planning as activities are supposed to be a balanced mix of child-led and adult-initiated activities. I have an 'annual' plan, with monthly themes which I break down into weekly topics around the theme. No weekly formal plans or daily plans - activities are based around the child's mood and wishes on the day.

The 'planning' they are looking for is planning for the 'next steps' in a child's development. The practice guidance in the EYFS file is invaluable for this - treat it as a working document. You'll be fine - good luck

I like the idea of a annual plan, might go for that one! Thankyou.

I have a sheet on the wall, with a box for each 'type' of play (like role play, sensory...) and an idea in each box. I decide each day what I'm going to do and tick them off once I've done it. Activities I've put on there in response to children's interests or observations are written in green, and activties put on to provide a balance are written in blue.

The system was developed by Torbay Early Years and is what is used in all nurseries in this area. As a nursery nurse, it was what I was used to so I've continued using it.

Also, what do keep in your first kit, at home and in going out bag?

For DS I take plasters, anti-septic wipes, calpol sachets, nappy cream, but I couldn't use most of these on minded children. Don't have bandges or anything like that.

And when you go out, do you carry around some form of ID for yourself and the children? Incase anything happened to you and parents needed to be contacted, people wouldn't know they weren't yours would they?

LPP be careful with your first aid kit, ther are must have stuff and must not stuff (of whci calpol is one) didnt you get a list on your first aid course?

Inspector never even asked where my First Aid kit was kept, let alone inspect it!! Even antiseptic wipes aren't allowed now - cotton wool and water (not ideal if you're out and about!).

You should have a separate bottle of calpol for each child, labelled with their name on it - not supposed to share medication.

If you have a look on the ncma webby they actuallly sell a first aid kit with everything in you may need - and travel first aid kit - even if you don't want to buy theirs, have a look at the 'permission form' for administering first aid, it lists everything in the kit on there.

I carry cards which have all the kids contact numbers on, along with a card that states I'm a childminder and the children in my care may not be my own (got this off ebay). Have a set of cards in the car too, incase we go out and about.

Only do an "annual" plan, as Ofsted pulled up our pre-school about it and said they had to see what the children wanted to do.
But what if they all want to do half a dozen things at the same time?

Underpaid, the ID cards are they still available on Ebay? Thanks

Think so - its a website called childminding treasures and it's fab. They have loads of free downloads for cms as well as the ones you pay for. On ebay, put childminding into search, they should come up. Infact, have bought loads of eyfs resources from ebay too and adapted them to my setting - am a total technophobe, can print stuff off but not make up myself

Thanks Underpaid, will have a look

Underpaid -I'm confused.

I did the first half of my first aid course on Saturday and we were told that we must not have cotton wool in our first aid kits under any circumstances.

did they say why mlovitt?

Cotton wool shouldn't be used for cuts and bruises, because it can break off and go into the open wound. You can use it for nappies etc (I hope).

For my inspections, I always have all the paperwork laid out on the inspectors table (keeps them busy for quite a while, so you can get on with the kids). DO NOT offer them a hot drink, unless you are planning to write a full risk assessment! - You can of course offer them some water in a plastic cup.

Talk about how you liaise with the parents, because they are very important to the children.

Fill in your self assessment, if you have time.

Just be yourself and be honest. No-one is perfect.

Also, before they even set foot in your house ask to see their ID (look at it carefully) and get them to sign the visitor's book.
Ask them to take off their shoes (if that's what you do in your home).
Remember YOU are the boss, they are just assessing you.
Never let them feel uncomfortable in your own home, you are allowed to tell them that you are not happy with a line of questioning or certain comments.
Good lucK

Sorry, meant to say "Never let them make YOU feel uncomfortable in your own home" Otherwise you'd have to have a huge pile of cushions just for Ofsted inspectors