**Know child protection / safeguarding. You will find a free safeguarding / child protection Q & A from Childcare.co.uk here –
https://www.childcare.co.uk/childminders/safeguarding-q-and-a
You will also find free safeguarding quick reference cards here -
https://www.childcare.co.uk/safeguarding/quick-reference-cards
**Have a story in your head about every child - bear in mind that your Ofsted inspector might ask to look at a recent progress check at 2 but otherwise it all needs to be in your head. Ofsted has stated that inspection is not a memory test and you can refer to notes if you find them useful.
**Don't do anything different - keep to your routine. For example, keep your planned activity simple or the children will react (usually negatively) to change.
**Put together a parent document file you can share - a file with all the essential paperwork that you share with parents and keep ready for passing Ofsted inspectors. The file might include, for example, your paediatric first aid certificate - safeguarding course - ICO certificate - insurance (childminding and vehicle) certificate etc.
**Be able to explain your curriculum and teaching - think about what you want the children to learn while they are with you and how you are going to share that information with them. For example, you want to teach about Christmas so you have resources such as books, games, toys etc. It is important that your curriculum is well sequenced for different ages of children and rich in diversity, to teach children about the world around them.
**Ask parents to say something nice - for example, they might want to complete a questionnaire or write an email to share with the inspector. As Ofsted try to talk to parents, you might want to remind them about how often you share information with them, the location of your Ofsted poster etc.
**Don't change anything for the children - running around now moving things about and taking toys away will just confuse the children.
**Don't forget the basics - hand washing for you and the children (after nappies, before food etc) - encouraging independence - sitting and playing with the children, having a giggle - asking open questions and waiting for a reply (count to 10 at least) - talking about why the food you provide is healthy... it's stuff you do every day!
**Listen in to the free Ofsted inspection Q & A webinar on Tuesday 29th Nov @ 7.30pm –
www.childcare.co.uk/webinars
To those who are messaging me telling me they are panicking - I am sure you are a solid provider who supports children's care and learning and has a good relationship with parents. Showcase what you do well, stay calm and take it one question at a time!
Best wishes, Sarah.
Photo credit: Keep Calm-o-matic.