Hi buggylovinmummy
I have been childminding nearly 3 years and had my inspection in 2008 which was still under the National Standards/Birth to three however I did get an outstanding so I hope my tips can help.....you should do these all the time not just for the inspection.....it will make your life easier.
Ask for ID when they knock/have a visitors book
Do you have a notice board? Display the ofsted parents poster which has osfteds phone number on it (see ofsted website)
Make sure your paperwork is up to date - signed in the right places.
All contents of first aid kit in date? Have notepad/pen in first aid box with childrens names/dob and emerg contact numbers in.
Wear rubber gloves for nappy changes/wipe mat (antibac) in between changes
Give each child a peg in the bathroom with their own sep hand towel (especially with swine flu now).....likewise with pegs in the hall etc for coats - give them a name tag or a picture if too young to read for their peg.
Make sure ALL sockets are covered if you have LOs.
Do a healthy snack with the children - don't let them get hungry, it can be easy to forget their needs when you are flustered by ofsted but DONT! Maybe have a piece of paper and plan your day and stick it on the kitchen cupboard (this will be part of your planning so ofsted will approve).
If you are looking after babies have a treasure basket.
Make a Singing Sack (nursery rhyme props (ie a toy bus for wheels on the bus etc) and get the LOs to take turns choosing a prop then have a sing song (don't be embarrassed about singing infront of inspector)!
Have a good mixture of toys & books out - use your local library to borrow books which are dual language/multicultural, you should be displaying positive images of all society.........this can be through posters, puzzles, toys book, dressing up/role play, again try your local toy library if time is short.
Relax and just ignore them your job is the children not making inspectors tea and biscuits, just offer a glass of water!
Re activities.....I have monthly themes and do a different activity every day (this can range from painting, dressing up, water play etc etc) I can give you some great websites for activities if you like?????? I had an 18 month old and a 21 month old when I had my inspection and did playdough while she was there which they loved (the LOs)......followed by singing and a session in the garden but it was June!
You can link each activity to the EYFS....eg Painting is Creative Development - Exploring Media and Material
How old are your mindees?
I hope I haven't scared you!! Feel free to ask me more questions!
Good luck xx