How strick are ofstead on home safety etc?

[jw19nr]

Hello. I am hoping to start childminding next year as I am pregnant and due at christmas. Don't really want to go back to work and leave baby with somebody else.

Basically, my Mum doesn't think my house would pass an ofstead inspection (I plan to do minor changes anyway, but she is talking about the bigger things). My house is rented, but I have full permission from landlord etc to do it. It just means I can't do any drastic changes to the house that can't be put back.

I have a 3 bed house, with a garden (Garden needs alot of safety work, but am happy to do that). I have 3 cats, all very friendly, but never been around children - although will have baby by then.

I have 2 reception rooms downstairs - both fairly small. I then have a smallish kitchen and my only bathroom is downstairs.

One problem I thought I might have is cat litter trays - not sure where I would keep them?

Anyway, what I mainly want to know, is what sort of things effect your inspection? What can you/can't you have in your house? What safety measures and equipment do you need?


Any advice will be welcome. I am new here and this is my first post!

[angeldelight]

Hello and welcome to the forum

If you get time will you go into the " hello" section of the forum and introduce yourself you will get more replies there to welcome you

If you look through this section of the forum you will find lots of advice about registration and what you need to do

For example you would need a pet policy for your cats
You would need to decide where you are going to keep the litter trays - be prepared to answer those types of questions

Safety gates etc

When you go through pre - reg the inspector will check your home
They will discuss then what safety measures you need to carry out
That is what the visit is all about to help YOU
Safety measures all around the house will be talked about - fire precautions etc

You might also find some information on the Bromley web site

www.bromleycma.org.uk/become_a_minder.html

Take a look around the forum I am sure you will find most of the answers but if not then give us all a shout

Angel xx

[miffy]

Hi and welcome to the forum

Angel has given you great advice - there is lots of info on here to help you

Good luck with your baby's birth - a christmas baby aah - you must be so excited!

Miffy

[polly2]

Hello and welcome

Good advice off Angel - I also found my ICP course very helpful and gained lots of info on safety measures I needed to put in place.

Good luck
Holly