Framework for the regulation of Childminding and daycare.
This Ofsted document, published in October 2005, sets out the principles for registration, inspection, investigation of continued suitability and enforcement. It aims to inform providers about how Ofsted carries out regulation work. This document should be read in conjunction with the National Standards and the Guidance booklets. The most relevant part for childminders and just a few pages long is Annex C. We recommend that all childminders read these pages and retain a copy of them.
Above all, try to relax,
Ofsted Inspectors are human and they find their job far easier
if you are not tense
and nervous!
Routine Inspection
Read through each of the 14 National Standards in the Ofsted Guidance booklet and check that you are fully complying with all the mandatory standards.
Obtain a copy of the booklet ‘Are you ready for your inspection?’ downloadable from the web
www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/index.cfm?
fuseaction=pubs.summary&id=3881
Ensure your Ofsted Childminding Certificate is on display during your minding hours.
Prepare activities for the children for the day of the inspection that are age/stage appropriate, allow them to play and learn with minimal assistance from you. Ideas might include jigsaws, colouring and drawing materials, simple gluing and sticking activity, small world play or a home corner. Remember that the care and welfare of the children comes first and Inspectors are used to being interrupted for nappy changes, trips to the toilets and mopping up spills! Ofsted Inspectors will be using the interaction you demonstrate with the children to form part of your inspection. Are you using the birth to three matters framework in your daily routines? (see our Birth to three matters page for lots of ideas for implementing and recording the framework)
If the Inspector is likely to still be present when you normally feed the children, consider having a nutritious meal prepared ready to just heat if necessary and serve. Remember to follow good hygiene practice with hand washing etc.
The length of you inspection may vary from an hour and a half to up to 4 hours. Sometimes it is necessary for the inspector to make a second visit, usually within a few days to finish the process. Some inspectors will enter their report straight into their laptop computer whilst in your home; others will make notes and do the report away from your setting.
This inspection will be graded:
Outstanding
Good
Satisfactory
Inadequate
The inspector will send you a report, usually within a month of the visit and providing you are happy with the contents the report is then published on the Ofsted website www.ofsted.gov.uk The web report will not include your name or address, just your Ofsted EY number.
If you have received an Inadequate grading, Ofsted will re-
Here are just a few questions to ask yourself in preparation for your inspector:
Have you done a self-
Have you all your documentation in order?
(Parents signed accurate record of attendance, accident/ incident records, emergency treatment permission forms, medicinal permission/administration, contracts, child information sheet and other permission forms. See the BCMA policies and procedures page and downloads for sample forms to use
Have you checked your policies and portfolio recently and made any necessary amendments?
Has anyone in your house become 16 years old since your last inspection? (will need CM2 forms completed and CRB checks)
Have diaries, contact books, and photographic records, scrapbooks, records of achievements etc to show how you record observations and pass information to parents on their child.
Have any official paperwork to hand, identification, car insurance etc.
Have you the purple Bromley ACPC Child Protection Booklet?
Have you completed complaints forms?
Have you got all your certificates from any training that you have done? (If you
need them before the next half termly scheduled mail out ring the training co-
Have you done a thorough risk assessment of your home to ensure it is safe? Have you checked the toys are safe and clean etc?
Have you an emergency evacuation procedure and backup care plan? Have you practised this evacuation with the children?
Have you procedures in place to keep the children safe when away from your home, including a ‘Lost Child Policy’ (See Policies and Procedures for sample policy)
Registration Inpspection
Have you done some training? Ideally you should have completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice. The National Standards and Policies and portfolios workshop will also be a great benefit and are free from Bromley Early Years. Have you completed or booked yourself onto the 12 hour First Aid course?
Contact your Support Childminder and let him/her know that you are preparing for
your inspection. Some support childminders are happy to make a visit to your home,
pre-
Read through the National Standards and guidance booklets and ensure your home is as safe as possible. You do not need to have lots of toys and equipment to show the inspector but we would recommend that you prepare a list of likely purchases. (many prospective childminders make a list using catalogues and brochures to show their inspector.)
Make sure all members of your household 16 years and over have completed their CRB forms and you have checked their ID. Have all your identification ready.
If your own child(ren) are to be present for this inspection, plan some simple activities that will keep them interested but require little input and clearing away from you. This will give you time to talk to the inspector and answer their questions. The Inspectors are used to being interrupted by children and often use their observations of your interaction with them in their reports. Let your inspector know when they call to make the inspection appointment if you need to do a school run, so they can time their appointment.
Above all try to relax, Ofsted Inspectors are human and they find their job far easier if you are not tense and nervous!
Ofsted Direct: Early Years, a quarterly newsletter for early years professionals
in local authorities, providers and their representative organisations, government
and interest groups.
Click here
to visit the Ofsted website
