It can be quite scary knowing that approximately 30 months after getting registered as a childminder in England, an Ofsted inspector is going to pay you a visit. Please don’t panic. My aim is to share some tips and to give you a flavour of what an inspection is really like.
The advice from Ofsted is always the same … do nothing!
According to the blog “What do I need to do to prepare for my early years inspection?” Wendy Ratcliff HMI Principle Officer states:
“We want you to have the confidence and freedom to do what you do every day. Our inspectors are tasked with finding out what it is like to be a child at your setting every day and not just on the day of the inspection.”
When Ofsted says “nothing”, what they mean is to not do anything special just for Ofsted.
However, it would be worthwhile having a look at your practice and evaluating it, if you don’t already do this on a regular basis: What do we do well here? What could be improved? Are we making the best use of the resources? This could improve your setting which is great for everyone, especially the children. It’s worth remembering that Ofsted continues to focus on communication and language, so make use of every opportunity to nurture and expand children’s communication skills. Ofsted says “If children do not develop and learn these abilities in their early years, it has a lasting impact on their educational progress. It underpins all future learning, and we will continue to emphasise its importance.”
PACEY Live webinar for members
In the recent PACEY Live webinar with Ofsted, Wendy Ratcliff said “Ofsted are interested in knowing about your planning and thinking, not written but knowing about what’s gone on in your head in terms of ‘What is it that I want the children with me to be able to do by the time they leave me.’ How do you then decide on the activities and experiences and how you go about that?”
Watching the whole of the PACEY Live webinar explains clearly what Ofsted is looking for: PACEY Live Ofsted Curriculum and Pedagogy
Can I do anything to make my first inspection a positive experience?
Although you shouldn’t do anything different on the day, you can be prepared and take away some of the stress by reading the Early Years Inspection Handbook, especially the section specifically for childminders (starting at paragraph 195).
The “before the inspection” section (paragraph 38) is essential reading because it details what to expect and the documentation you need to have available for the inspector at the visit. Don’t forget to read the relevant footnotes. The inspector will tell you what they need to see during the phone call prior to the visit but it’s sometimes hard to remember everything that’s said in a phone call.
So, what does a first inspection look like?
April Nicol, Ofsted-registered childminder said:
I had my first Ofsted grading visit yesterday (registered for about 30 months) and for all those who have theirs coming up, I can honestly say it’s not as scary as you think it will be. It took 3 hours in total and felt like she had only been here 10 minutes (super happy with my grade!)
A few things I would strongly recommend everyone to look into doing if you don’t already, is oral health. This kept coming up throughout, cultural capital and what do you do with the children whilst preparing food? (Luckily I had them in the kitchen counting plates and helping to get their cups and talking to them the whole time, but she said it’s very common for childminders to easily get on with it themselves and it’s classed as a missed learning opportunity if you’re not involving them whilst making meals – not having them cooking, but just showing them what foods you’re using, talking about healthy eating etc). All other questions were the normal safeguarding and asking about next steps for the children. I didn’t feel like she asked anything I wasn’t expecting to be asked I hope this helps anyone who is due soon!
What else can I do?
- Sign up for Ofsted updates early years blog subscribe
- Follow the news on PACEY’s website
- Explore your free PACEY member training through CEY Smart
Want to talk about your up-coming inspection? PACEY’s Practice advice service is available Monday – Friday 6.30pm – 9pm, exclusively for members.
Further resources
- Read Ofsted’s research Best start in life research part 1
- Ofsted’s blog What do I need to do to prepare for my early years inspection?
- Early Years inspection handbook Early years inspection handbook
- Early Years Curriculum Roadshow recording Ofsted curriculum November 2022
- Free CEY smart course from PACEY – Inspection and You – Education Inspection Framework Jargon Busting
More for members
- PACEY Live webinar: Ofsted curriculum and pedagogy
- PACEY Live webinar: Inspection Myth busting with Ofsted
- Resource hub topic: Ofsted
- CEY smart training courses exclusive to members:
