just had my first ofsted inspection

[leonifay]

she gave me satisfactory, which is waht i was expecting, however her recommendations were a bit odd.

they included, having free access to water when mindees wanted them (2yo mindee has cup with a lid that was full and within his reach. 7mo mindee has set feeding times so did not, but apparantly she might want a drink )
more messy play for the 2yo (2yo had a tanntrum whilst she was here because he had a boggy on his finger, he hates getting his hands dirty)
and having more of a story time. anyone tried telling a story to a 2yo who really isnt that intrested, when i pointed that out she tried which made me laugh. 2yo shut the book and hid it from her, when she got another one and sat down next to him (to make it a cosy time) he just shouted NNNOOOOOO. he was happy playing with the cars, i think i proved my point!

Glad it is over and done with for you! Nothing wrong with satisfactory.

Dont beat yourself up over it..I didn't have my inspection yet but I expect to have a satisfactory too...I'm ok with the paper work, understand EYFS...but I'm sure they ll find something to be fussy over !

What a stupid recommendation, given the age of your mindees .

But well done you - just think, no more Ofsted for at least 3 years. have a celebratory glassofwine cup of coffee later .

How much lighter do your shoulders feel now it's over.....

Congratulations for getting through your first inspection. FWIW I don't truly believe that anyone takes any notice of OFSTED gradings, the parents I had when I had my inspection and have had since don't seem to take any notice of it. In fact the cm down the road is Outstanding and only has 1 mindee (not through choice) I am good and have a long waiting list really doesn't seem to be a factor to parents. And think you don't have to worry about them again til 2012!!!!

i'd compleatly forgot that it only happens every 3 years really happy now!

Well done

I'm starting to plan for mine now, DH thinks I'm potty cos it's not till June 2010, never seems to be enough hours in the day, and always seems to be just one more little thing to get ready. I have a huge to do list

How's it feel to be able to answer the phone without that sinking feeling

I had the free access to water too (had two toddlers) wonder if same inspector.

Ah well, well done on getting through it least you don't have it hanging over you anymore!

I thought it was something to do with a paddling pool!!

Congrats.

My son's nursery had the free access to water thing. The owner/manager refused saying jugs of water with lots of children was dangerous and would lead to accidents (slipping in spilt water etc) so Ofsted agreed she could have signs up saying 'children if you want a drink ask a grown up' (yes the children were aged 2-4) .

LOL at the signs - must be a gifted child nursery if 2 yo can read

My recommendations where mad too.........allowing free access to outside at all times (yeah great, crawling babies disappearing down the muddy garden)

And also a sign saying wash your hands in toilet that no mindee ever used!

oo I was told on my pre-reg that we should have free access to outside all the time.

My supervisor at the nursery I used to work at insisted on this, but then told me not to let them go in the mud because they walk it indoors. They have to be wearing boots and coats outdoors, they have to take them off indoors, blah, blah, blah.

The children ended up with so many limitations and rules, and spent all of there time taking coats on and off, so they got very little play time.

IMO, they would get more quality play if we said, in the morning we are going outside to jump in the mud. Did it, then brought them in, cleaned em up and STAYED IN!

Surely that way they get lot's of outdoors, lots of indoors and it's organised, not stressful.

And as for access to water at all times, I'm sure if mindess say can I have a drink, any CM would say yes. It doesn't have to mean they can physically access it themselves.

These rules are made up by people who don't actually WORK with children and have no idea of the pratical side.

Well done, Leonifay! Such to relief to have it all over and done with. Mine will be in the week starting 8 June. Will take your advice on my AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHH thread....

well done Leonfray..
inspector sounds like a childless loon.. noone cares anyway imo.. its as much as I can doi to get my parents to sign all the bloody useless paperwork, they think Ofsted completly bonkers..