24 Magazine of the National Childminding Association 25Who Minds? February/March 2010

deal with the situation, but they doexpect interruptions. Liz explains,“We understand it might be nervewracking to deal with a tantrum whenan inspector is there, but the worstthing a childminder can do is to ignorea child. We want to see how thechildminder interacts with that child.”The inspector will also want to talk tothe children in your setting, if possible.“We'll ask them what they like to doand what they like about being at thechildminder’s house, although wewouldn’t do that unless the childshowed willingness to talk to a visitor.”

If the inspector wants to knowsomething particular, they willnormally ask you to ask the child,expecting them to be confident talkingto a trusted adult, but with anunderstanding that answers fromchildren can sometimes be unreliable.

Having an inspector there can bedistracting no matter how smoothlythe day is going, so Liz suggests thatyou, “have a couple of activities upyour sleeve to occupy the childrenat crucial moments.”

Meeting parentsInspectors like to talk to parents if atall possible, as they give a unique andvital insight on the childmindingservice. Also, “Parents often tell us theywould like to feature more strongly inthe inspection process,” says Liz.

Business matters Business matters

What to expecton inspection dayAs your Ofsted inspection draws near, you may be unsure of what to expect on the day.Mel Parks speaks to Liz Elsom, Divisional Manager at the Early Years Foundation Stage(EYFS) Ofsted, about how childminders can ensure the day runs smoothly.

Useful informationOfsted (www.ofsted.gov.uk) publishes aguide for inspectors on its website –“Usingthe Early Years Evaluation Schedule:Guidance for Inspectors of Registered EarlyYears Settings Required to Deliver the EarlyYears Foundation Stage”– whichmay helpyou understand what they are looking for.If you have any questions about

inspections, including verifying the identityof an inspector, call Ofsted on0845 640 4040.

If parents have suggested animprovement and the childminderhas acted on it then that is a reallygood thing to bring up anddemonstrate to inspectors

When the Ofsted inspectorknocks at your door,remember to be friendlyyet professional. If the

inspector doesn’t offer identification,don’t be afraid to ask to see it, and ifyou’re unsure, ring Ofsted (see boxopposite) to verify their identity.

Think about how you will introducethe inspector to the children, and ifpossible offer the inspector a quietcorner where they can use a laptop.But, Liz Elsom says, “Expect theinspector to follow you round yoursetting as you go about your usualroutine, asking questions atconvenient moments.”

The childmindingenvironmentWhen the inspector visits your house itis easy to look around and notice allthose jobs you haven’t quite got roundto doing, but providing an environmentthat is safe for children to play in is themost important thing. Liz explains thatshe would be more concerned by“a house that is pristine, where the childhas to put a toy away carefully beforegetting another one out, than a housewith the breakfast dishes still inthe sink.”

The inspector will be looking foranything that would cause a hazard tochildren, for example, sharp knives

within easy reach. But Liz does stressthe importance of cleanliness,“particularly in a house where there areyoung babies. Childminders arepresenting themselves as a role modelto young children, and hygiene is animportant part of that. We would alsoexpect the childminder to have carriedout a risk assessment of the areas thatchildren use.”

Putting children firstChildren are unpredictable, andoccasionally some will cry, displayunwanted behaviour or have atantrum while the inspector is there.Inspectors will be looking at how you

However, pick-up and drop-off timesare busy, so offer the parents theopportunity to give feedback beforethe day of the inspection, eitherverbally or witha sealed note to be passed on to theinspector if they would like to saysomething in confidence.

Liz says, “Childminders who are wellprepared will seek the views of parentsin advance and show us letters andfeedback.But we are not looking for glowingletters of recommendation. Ideally,if parents have suggested animprovement and the childminder hasacted on it then that is a really goodthing to bring up and demonstrateto inspectors.”

Receiving feedbackAt the end of the inspection, there willbe a feedback meeting. Make sure allyour evidence has been presentedbefore this meeting, because this iswhen the inspector will explain theirjudgement to you. Liz points out,“Childminders shouldn’t feel worried ifthey don't understand something –they should raise it with the inspector.And, if you genuinely believe that aninspector hasn't followed guidance,you should raise it as a concern;it won’t be held against you inthe future.”

Ultimately, caring for the childrenwell while delivering the EYFS is whatwill make your inspection go smoothly.Liz advises, “Know the children youlook after well, and involve those whoare a part of the child's life. Partnershipwith the child’s parents is critical.Inspectors will be looking for evidencethat you reflect on everything you doand that you always strive to improveand provide better outcomesfor the children you care for.”