Oh help, OFSTED are coming this week!

[RunAndBeMum]

OK, so I know I should have all my paperwork in place but I don't. I've got risk assessments and all the policies but I just never really quite got to grips with EYFS...

Only starting minding in September so still feel really new to all this.

I look after an eleven-month-old, and obviously I do plan stuff to keep her entertained (singing, reading, building towers) but I haven't exactly, erm, recorded it (other than in the diary I give her parents).

So what will OFSTED want to see in terms of EYFS planning? I really don't know where to start...

Have you recorded any observations, do you have any evidence of what you have been doing in the form of photographs?

Yep, I take photos, although tend to be taken mainly when out at stay and play groups or soft play. I can't get away with taking pictures at home as both my son and my mindee tend to mob me as soon as they see me take my camera or phone out of my pocket - they love the buttons!

I have a few observations, probably about six from the last four months - is that bad?

Could you use the diary as an aide-memoire and make some weekly plans of activities (back-dated), link them to the EYFS and put them in a nice file?

Great idea mummy! Is that to the areas, like communication etc? Sorry, I'm clueless

Hi Runandbeum, the areas of learning and development are the things you need to link to in your observations (6 in four months is fine I think - but there is no "rule") - I tend to use this website as think it's really helpful here. I just find it easier than that pack they sent - but it is all in the pack too if you would rather use that.

I started in October and have my inspection too - are you anywhere near Bristol??

I had my first inspection yesterday and she told me that you dont actually have to have anything down in writing as long as you can explain to her how you are planning to help your mindees and what your aim is for them e.g help with numbers, colours ect

If that makes sense

And also what activities you are planning to do with them to help them and what areas of development each activity will benefit

buggylovinmummy, that is very interesting; it is so funny how Osfted seem to differ with regions!? So were you told you don't have to write anything down at all?

Have you found out your grading yet or do you have to wait a while to get it? Well done on completing your first inspection BTW!

I shall be watching for blm's reply with interest

Me too, Every inspection I've ever had have said that you have to have planning records, even pre- eyfs.

It seems that no 2 inspectors say the same thing

She said that none of it has to be in writing as long as you can explain it all to them when your inspected BUT she said its probably easier to have it written down so you dont get confused between children.

I had all mine written down but wasnt sure if id done it all correctly and thats when she told me that.

Oh and i got graded GOOD.

And also i told her i was going to go on the course for planning and observations and she said they will probably tell me there that ofsted requires it to all be recorded but in fact it doesnt HAVE to be but is easier if it is.

Maybe i was just lucky and had a lovely inspector who isnt a sucker for paperwork!!