You know you have prepared well – ensured everything is in place, revised EYFS, safeguarding etc., but there’s still the worry that you haven’t done quite enough and what questions will the inspector ask?
Before we look at the questions, I think it’s worth mentioning that the actual experience isn’t as scary as you might think, and it can be a positive experience. Marta, a Childminder from Cambridgeshire, recently had her Ofsted registration visit and she said, “Prior to my visit I had got myself SO worked up and nervous, honestly felt physically sick this morning! The inspector came, she was so nice. Really put me at ease” Shannon also had a positive experience “Honestly my Inspector was so lovely. It was like having a friend round and just having a really good chat about all things early years. They just want to make sure you know your stuff. They are only human”.
How do I know if I’ve prepared enough?
Ofsted have some useful information you can refer to prior to your visit and it’s worth remembering that Ofsted want you to pass. Have a look at this guidance Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted – The registration visit – Guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
This manual outlines the checks the inspector will undertake and there’s a list of documents the inspector must see, so make sure you have these ready. It’s likely that the inspector will go through this list during the phone call prior to your visit, but it’s worthwhile making sure you have everything. In the phone call the inspector will talk to you about the visit and what to expect.
Just in case you can’t recall everything that’s been said during the phone call, I recommend having a look at the Ofsted Early Years Blog which explains how the visit will be conducted, what the inspector will want to see and the types of questions they will ask you. Registering to become a childminder with Ofsted – what to expect
It’s likely that a lot of the questions the inspector plans to ask are answered as you show them round your setting, talking about your childminding plans. This is your chance to showcase your setting – tell the inspector about your risk assessments, possible activities for different age children etc. Don’t be afraid to talk – it’s good to be chatty.
What sort of questions will I be asked?
In the Ofsted blog it states “We will ask questions and pose scenarios or have discussions with you to check your suitability. For example, we will ask you questions about safeguarding or risk assessments and may give you a scenario to see what you would do in that situation”.
Marta’s advice regarding safeguarding and welfare is to revise thoroughly. She said “I was given multiple different scenarios and asked how I’d deal with them. They don’t purposely try to trip you up, but they do ask questions that maybe aren’t so obvious as to the answer they’re looking for. They want to ensure you’re clued up. Make sure you know what you’d need to report to Ofsted, what to do if an allegation was made against you. Have your forms, policies & procedures ready”.
It’s likely you will be asked lots of questions and given scenarios around safeguarding, so here are some typical questions:
- What would you do if a parent turned up under the influence of alcohol to collect a child?
- What are the signs of FGM and what would you do if you suspected it was happening?
- A child has told their mummy you hurt them when you were playing, the mum is very casual and brings it up in a non-serious matter. What do you do?
- What would you do if a non-mobile baby had bruises?
- A parent tries to give you a magazine which has some extreme views in it what do you do?
- What would you do if a child unexpectedly didn’t arrive, and you hadn’t been informed they weren’t attending that day.
Top Tips
Remember, you can have your notes with you as a prompt. You probably won’t need them once you start talking. If you’re not sure of an answer, say so and follow it up by saying where you would find the information e.g., your safeguarding policy, EYFS.
If you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be re-phrased – the inspector won’t mind you asking and understands you may be nervous. Remember, the inspector wants you to pass but you must prove you meet the criteria.
Resources
- Registering to become a childminder with Ofsted – what to expect
- Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted – The registration visit – Guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Safeguarding Children online training course | PACEY
- Types of Child Abuse & How to Prevent Them | NSPCC
More for members
PACEY Live webinars:
- Safeguarding and hidden neglect
- Safeguarding – Interparental conflict and domestic abuse
- Sexual harassment & online sexual abuse of children & young people
CEY smart training :
Resource hub topic:
- Safeguarding. These resources will help you meet your responsibilities and build your knowledge.
