|
Post by jamiebec2000 on Aug 14, 2006 20:30:58 GMT
HI
I am due my first visit from ofsted Fri/tues/wed and i am quite worried as to what she'll do or say.
Is it like the intial visit or is it more intense?
Does any one have any advice or tips on how to get through it and what they are looking for???
Thanks alot
Becky
|
|
|
Post by babbs on Aug 15, 2006 6:50:07 GMT
Hi Becky, Try not to get too worried about it. All the inspectors I've had have been really nice. Have a look through your Ofsted standards book, that give details of all the areas that they will be inspecting and will help you to find what you need to meet each of the standards. Try to have all your paperwork together, so you know where to find it and don't get in a panic. For instance keep any certificates (first aid insurance etc) together in a folder and also any policies and procedures so that you can get them out to show. Don't forget that you must display your registration certificate, a friend of mine got told off for not having it on the wall. If you have children to mind at the time then just get on with looking after them, don't ignore them for the sake of talking to the inspector, it's your job to care for them and the inspector will want to see how you do that. Just be yourself and you will be fine. Good luck, we will all be thinking of you. Barbara
|
|
|
Post by Pauline on Aug 15, 2006 9:00:30 GMT
Hi Becky, Like Barbara says try not to be worried, but we know it's hard not to be! The inspector will be checking against the 14 National Standards and the key out comes for children: Be Healthy Stay Safe Enjoying and Achieving Making a Positive Contribution Economic well-being (organisation) Have you got the self assessment form? If not the inspector will have one for you to complete but it's best if you can do it beforehand - you can download them from the NCMA website. Have a look through the standards and outcomes and try to think how you meet them. For example Helping Children be Healthy - You could show your sickness policy, healthy meal plans or tell how you keep your home clean and hygienic or how you teach children about personal hygiene. Making a Positive Contribution - show the toys and books you have that reflect diversity and give the children positive role models of people like themselves and people different to themselves. Show how you display or share children's work. The inspector will also be looking at your understanding of the Birth to Three Matters, so it would be a good idea to have a look through your pack. Although some of this might sound a bit daunting, really all it is is showing what you do already, make sure you point out all the things you do for the children so that the inspectors knows, otherwise she might miss something important. Are there any areas you are not sure about? Good luck and let us know how you get on!
|
|
|
Post by jamiebec2000 on Aug 15, 2006 13:37:23 GMT
Thanks for all your help, you answered a lot of my questions,
Do they want to see any planning and does it need to be detailed?
Guess I'll just have to be extra organized and try not to panic
Thanks again Becky
|
|
|
Post by Pauline on Aug 15, 2006 16:17:36 GMT
Thanks for all your help, you answered a lot of my questions, Do they want to see any planning and does it need to be detailed? Guess I'll just have to be extra organized and try not to panic Thanks again Becky Hi Becky, I've heard that some do like you to have daily activity plans but personally I think that having activities already planned, like a nursery, spoils the chance for any spontaneous activities. I think if it is a nice day it's better to take the opportunity for a visit to the park than to have to stick to whatever was on the plan!! Instead I have weekly idea plans - i.e. a list of things that we might do that week such as a themed craft session, visit to gym tots etc. but the things on my list are liable to change depending on weather, invites out etc. At least that way the inspector can see that you are planning what to do with the children but at the same time allowing for unexpected opportunities to do other things. As regards it being detailed, I just have a sheet something like this: Session | Before School | Morning | Afternoon | After School | Mon | Knex, Duplo or lego. Board Games | Number games. Books/Quiet time | Childminders Group. Biscuit decorating | Crafts-card making. Outdoor games |
[/tr] [tr] [td]Tue[/td][td]_____[/td][td]_____[/td][td]_____[/td][td]_____[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Wed[/td][td]_____[/td][td]_____[/td][td]_____[/td][td]_____[/td] [/tr] [/table] etc. This is just a quick example and there would be more ideas than I've listed and of course the children always have free play with the toys that are already out such as the home corner, cars, dolls house etc.
|
|
|
Post by cait on Aug 16, 2006 19:37:02 GMT
Do they want to see any planning and does it need to be detailed? Guess I'll just have to be extra organized and try not to panic Thanks again Becky They like you to have a fire escape plan. I just wrote down where you should go to get out of the house and that was accepted. Some people do drawings like a plan, with doors marked and things like that. Try not to worry hope it all goes well for you, at least if you get a 'good' it will all be over for 3 years!
|
|
|
Post by jamiebec2000 on Aug 17, 2006 6:40:41 GMT
The inspector sounds like a right witch, when she rang me to let me know she was coming she informed me, "don't be dissapointed if you only get a satisfactory as most people do, of course unless they're worth a good, So far i have not given anybody an outstanding grade" I don't want her to give me any grade but to me it feels like she has already given me a satisfactory before meeting me and knowing what I do etc. Maybe i'm just reading to much into it. Hopefully she'll come tomorrow and i'll have a worry free Weekend Becky
|
|
|
Post by Pauline on Aug 17, 2006 8:17:40 GMT
Awww Becky, try not to worry Perhaps she meant that most new minders get a satisfactory because they haven't had time to build up their evidence. She shouldn't have said " only get a satisfactory" that makes it sound like it's not a very nice grade. Satisfactory will be a good grade to start with, you can explain to new parents that it was because you are new and next year you will be able to work towards a higher grade But who knows - you might well get a 'good' yet, so don't despair! I'm away for the weekend now but will be thinking of you, hope she comes today and gets it over with.
|
|
lisa
New Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by lisa on Aug 18, 2006 18:53:15 GMT
I'm a bit late coming to this, have you had you're inspection yet, if so how did it go?
|
|
|
Post by jamiebec2000 on Aug 20, 2006 8:17:56 GMT
She was coming Friday, but the litttle girl i look after was off with sickness so i rang her up and told her, so it's now been rearranged for next week. When I spoke this time she seemed a nice lady so not quite so worried now.
Will keep you updated
Becky
|
|
polly
Junior Member
Posts: 19
|
Post by polly on Aug 21, 2006 6:45:57 GMT
Hiya Becky Good luck with your inspection, hope she comes early in the week to get it over for you! Polly
|
|
|
Post by babbs on Aug 23, 2006 6:29:26 GMT
Has she been yet Becky? I hope she doesn't make you wait until the end of the week! Barbara
|
|
|
Post by jamiebec2000 on Aug 23, 2006 13:02:48 GMT
She came today!! Wot a performance, she was meant to come friday but my mindee was poorly she came back monday but was off again tuesday when ofsted coming so had to cancel for a 2nd time so she finally came today. I don't really know why I worried, she gave me a good grading, she said she was surprised as i'd only been doing it for a few months and expected me to get a satisfactory but thought i was worth a good. Thought i'd really stuffed up though my lovely son is going through potty training and has his good days and his bad but also has his i'm not getting enough attention days!!! Today was the 3rd one and would not use his potty Lucky for me here grandson is doing the same!!
Any way thanks for all your kind words and support Becky
|
|
|
Post by Pauline on Aug 23, 2006 16:25:06 GMT
Well done Becky!! You can relax now for 3 years but don't forget to keep working towards that 'Outstanding'! Just goes to show that it doesn't matter if the children play up but how you handle it, you must have impressed her! Were there any particular areas she was very pleased with?
|
|
|
Post by jamiebec2000 on Aug 23, 2006 18:16:23 GMT
Mostly my portfolio and policies, she said she didn't have a lot of questions to ask after she read it! I thought she asked alot lol!!
She also said the child I mind for looked very happy and relaxed. It also helped that they weren't shy as when they asked wot we'd been doing they went on for about 5 mins about everything from lego to necklaces to trips out.
I also went on about training days i'm doing and she seemed to like that.
When I actually saw and spoke to her she wasn't the witch I spoke to on the phone so I guess my nerves went.
Forgot to ask how i could improve to get the Outstanding, but I don't think she hands them out very often if at all
Becky
|
|
|
Post by cait on Aug 23, 2006 20:45:52 GMT
That's great news Becky well done We will all be coming to you for advice!
|
|
|
Post by babbs on Aug 24, 2006 7:14:38 GMT
Thats really good news Becky. Do you mind me asking how long she stayed? I've heard some can stay half a day!
|
|
|
Post by jamiebec2000 on Aug 24, 2006 8:12:40 GMT
She arrived at about 9.30 and left just before 11.45, but it didn't seem that long. Does any body know what happens now, do they send you a copy of what they have written before it goes on the ofsted website or do you have to read it off the website like everybody else? Becky
|
|
|
Post by cait on Aug 24, 2006 11:19:33 GMT
You should get a copy to check so you can say if there are any things incorrect, then I think you have to sign to say it's ok, and then you get a proper copy . It's only after that when it goes on the website.
|
|
|
Post by sandra070475 on Aug 24, 2006 17:20:48 GMT
Well done becky, glad it went well. I have yet to have my first inspection after being registered still trying get my head round the paperwork and making sure I keep it all up to date. Fantastic well done.....
|
|
|
Post by shell on Dec 2, 2006 17:01:21 GMT
Hi Everyone,
My 1st Ofsted visit will be sometime in January and i am getting worried about it already!!
Can anybody give me some advice on what things they will be looking at and what do i need to produce from them to look at??
Any guidance would be most appreciated.
Thanks Shell x
|
|
|
Post by Pauline on Dec 3, 2006 14:15:13 GMT
Hi Shell, First don't worry too much, Becky got really worried and then found there was no need in the end. Try to have all your paperwork ready and together in their relevant areas, because you will probably be all in a tizz and might forget where things are. A folder for type of paperwork is a good idea i.e. Certificates, Policies, Contact details etc. Have a read through the 5 outcomes - remember that the inspector will be using these outcomes for her grading: 1. Helping children to be healthy 2. Keeping children safe 3. Helping children enjoy and achieve 4. Helping children make a positive contribution 5. Organising your childcare effectively with those in mind think how you can show or prove that you meet them. (Feel free to ask for ideas if you are stuck in any areas) for example to meet 1. you could say how you keep your setting clean and use antibacterial wipes to minimise spread of germs, wash toys regularly, have a sickness policy. Or you could talk about your first aid certificate, healthy eating, how you use the local park for exercise etc. Show her any individual wash cloths or towels you have. If the children use the toilet while she is there make sure she hears you talking to the children about hygiene and why they should wash their hands etc. Have all your documents ready i.e. Attendence Register, accident book, parents pack if you have one. If you have activity plans show her those too and have a read through your birth to three as she might ask questions about that. Make sure you don't forget the children while she is there, your first priority is to them and she will want to see that you put them first. Make sure you have done everything that you were advised to do at your initial inspection. Ask away if there is anything else you want to know. At least you know when she will be coming some people only have a few days warning!!
|
|
|
Post by shell on Dec 14, 2006 17:24:26 GMT
Hi Everyone,
I had a lady from OFSTED ring me yesterday about my first visit, she wanted to come next week but i told her with school breaking up for Christmas i won't have many children during the day. She is coming sometime during the week commencing 15th January. Do they look at your contracts?
Pauline you speak of 5 outcomes can you give me some examples please!
Also i read something at the beginning of this thread about different policies and procedures i.e. potty training. Where could i find something along these lines so it gives me some ideas. Another childminder told me to go on to the internet and type in policies and procedures and it should bring a list up it does but not what i wanted.
Any help anyone can give me would be most appreciated.
Thanks
Shell x
|
|
|
Post by angeldelight on Dec 14, 2006 20:27:11 GMT
Hi Shell
I have sent you a personal message
Angel
x
|
|
|
Post by shell on Dec 14, 2006 20:57:32 GMT
Hi Angel,
Thanks for your message.
Shell x
|
|
|
Post by Pauline on Dec 14, 2006 21:39:08 GMT
Hi Shell There are some great examples of policies and procedures on here: www.bromleycma.org.ukAs regards the 5 outcomes, I will have to reply to that either Sunday or Monday as I am off early in the morning doing the 'Santa Run' taking Christmas presents down to one of my sons, we will be there for the weekend, it will be great to see the grandchildren. Sorry I can't reply now, hope that's ok. At least the website above will give you something to work on for the time being. All the best Pauline x
|
|
|
Post by shell on Dec 16, 2006 18:40:35 GMT
Hi Pauline,
Thanks for your help.
Hope you enjoy doing your Santa run to your sons. I'm getting really excited now for Christmas so is my little girl.
Shell x
|
|
|
Post by Pauline on Dec 18, 2006 9:06:00 GMT
Hi Everyone, I had a lady from OFSTED ring me yesterday about my first visit, she wanted to come next week but i told her with school breaking up for Christmas i won't have many children during the day. She is coming sometime during the week commencing 15th January. Do they look at your contracts? Pauline you speak of 5 outcomes can you give me some examples please! Hi Shell, had a great weekend thanks. I'll answer your questions now!! They don't look at your contracts or anything to do with your tax as this is the business side of your childminding. They might want to know that you do have contracts but that is about all or you could show them as part of No. 5 below. Regarding the 5 outcomes as well as the example I gave for helping children to be healthy you could also use these examples for the others: 2. Keeping children safe - Say how you discuss and use road safety when you are out, or tell her about the safety equipment you have in your home, how you check toys for damage and that they are suitable for the age of the children and meet proper standards. Anything really that you do regarding safety 3. Helping children enjoy and achieve - Show her any work the children have done and how you display it or share it with parents. Photos of outings or activities. Details of your activities that help children to enjoy and achieve i.e. cooking, gardening etc. 4. Helping children make a positive contribution - show how you let the children help with decisions on what activities you will be planning, what activities you do that help children feel good about themselves, how you find out about each child's background and use resources to positively promote their culture or lifestyle 5. Organising your childcare effectively - Show your daily attendance register and the paperwork you have, complaints forms, parent packs, policies etc. There are loads of other ways you can show how you meet the 5 outcomes, the above is intended just to give you some ideas. If you need more help, just ask, we are all here for you.
|
|
|
Post by angeldelight on Jan 2, 2007 17:44:12 GMT
Happy new year Shell
Did you have a good christmas and a good anniversary?
Did you receive my last email to you I was having internet probs so not sure if you got it to your personal email
Let me know and I will resend
Hope you are ok
Gail x
|
|
|
Post by shell on Jan 2, 2007 20:30:34 GMT
Hi Gail,
Happy New Year to you, hope you had a nice Christmas.
I had a lovely Wedding Anniversary my hubby spoiled me rotten, Christmas was great, can't believe its all over and done with.
The last email i got had website addresses on it. Thank you for them.
Hope to speak to you soon.
Happy New Year to Everyone.
Debra hope your feeling better.
Shell x
|
|