{"id":14797,"date":"2021-12-15T13:39:38","date_gmt":"2021-12-15T13:39:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-255815-3383686.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=14797"},"modified":"2024-01-25T11:24:09","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T11:24:09","slug":"ofsted-childminder-registration-visit-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/blog\/working-in-childcare\/ofsted-childminder-registration-visit-checklist","title":{"rendered":"Ofsted childminder registration visit: your inspection checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"14797\" class=\"elementor elementor-14797\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-62afa030 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"62afa030\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-441f6105\" data-id=\"441f6105\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ddfc166 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4ddfc166\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.20.0 - 26-03-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When you set out to become a childminder, your Ofsted registration visit is a milestone moment, but it can also feel very stressful. A watchful eye that serves a necessary purpose, Ofsted won&#8217;t support you through this. It\u2019s not their job\u2014their main focus is keeping children safe. They won\u2019t give in-depth advice on how to bring your setting from Good to Outstanding, or do anything other than visit to make sure you meet their requirements.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So\u2013we&#8217;ve put together a checklist of all the things you will have to do and learn before your Ofsted childminder registration visit, after you have applied to become a childminder. We hope it helps you prepare!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:html -->\n<div class=\"pa3 dtc-ns v-mid\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":40} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height: 40px;\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Preparing for an Ofsted childminder registration visit<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you have an Ofsted registration visit booked, some of what you need to know and think about is in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/blog\/work-in-childcare\/ofsted-childminder-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guide to registering with Ofsted<\/a>. There is much you have to do, and a lot of fees to pay, before you get to this stage! But if your training and checks are complete, here&#8217;s what you need to do before your visit:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>1. Prepare your home<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There are 4 main things to keep in mind when you prepare your home for an Ofsted childminder visit:\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n<li>Safety<\/li>\n<li>Cleanliness<\/li>\n<li>Sleep space<\/li>\n<li>Play space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Safety: Inside and out<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Risk assess your own home (and garden, if you have one) and think about the following areas and items:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n<li>Electrical appliances and fittings\/wiring\u2014are they safe and well maintained?<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hse.gov.uk\/coshh\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">COSHH<\/a>\u2014any cleaning products and dangerous substances. What can you get rid of; what can you lock away?<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hse.gov.uk\/toolbox\/ppe.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PPE<\/a>\u2014make sure you have the necessary equipment to keep yourself safe too, like an apron, rubber gloves etc.<\/li>\n<li>Windows\u2014are they safety glass, or ordinary? Can children reach them?<\/li>\n<li>Food safety\u2014if you haven\u2019t taken a good <a href=\"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/blog\/childminders\/childminder-food-hygiene-course\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">food hygiene course<\/a> yet, do it now! Then you will be able to risk assess yourself and answer any questions about safe preparation and handling of food as a childminder<\/li>\n<li>Heat sources\u2014radiators, space heaters, and fireplaces are all fire hazards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ofsted won\u2019t check the below, but you probably want to for your own peace of mind:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n<li>Gas appliances\u2014must be tested annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and you must keep the certificate<\/li>\n<li>Water\u2014is it safe to drink? Cold water should not be above 20\u00b0C, and hot water in the cylinder should be stored above 60\u00b0C<\/li>\n<li>Asbestos\u2014is your home asbestos free?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Safety: Think ahead<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Think practically about how you are going to keep children safe, and what you are going to do if something unexpected happens. You need to show that you have made your home safe for children, and know what to do to keep them from harm.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you already have your own children you probably know more than you think. It\u2019s just a question of stepping back and looking at your home from an inspector\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":40} --><!-- \/wp:spacer --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Fresh and clean<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You probably want a clean home anyway\u2014it\u2019s not a bad thing! But put on your Ofsted inspection hat, and take extra steps to clean certain things.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n<li>Make high-contact surfaces extra, especially clean\u2014focus on areas where the children will spend their time, and things they will touch often<\/li>\n<li>Clean floors are a must for little crawlers<\/li>\n<li>Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it\u2014it\u2019s also good to have on hand to demonstrate to parents what you do daily and weekly<\/li>\n<li>Declutter and organise<\/li>\n<li>Clean outside\u2014garden paths, patio, mowed lawn, trimmed hedge etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Although you are not a cleaning person by trade, it is part of your job to keep your setting clean, safe and fun for children. Cleaning shouldn\u2019t be something you only do for Ofsted inspections, but an important part of your typical day as a childminder. It is more important than ever because of COVID-19, so keep it up after you have successfully registered.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Sweet dreams in a safe space<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lullabytrust.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Safe sleep<\/a> is really important. You don\u2019t have to buy all the equipment you need just yet, but you will have to show the Ofsted inspector where your sleep space will be. Be ready to talk about how you plan to set up the sleep space once you have been approved as a childminder.<\/p>\n<p>Keep these things in mind:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n<li>Remember your safe sleep training<\/li>\n<li>Where will you put cots (babies and small toddlers) and mats (slightly older children)?<\/li>\n<li>What mattresses and bedding are you planning to get?<\/li>\n<li>Is the room dark enough, and pleasantly cool (16\u201320\u00b0C)?<\/li>\n<li>How are you going to check on the children? (monitors or within ear-shot)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Make room for play<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Again, you don\u2019t have to buy specific resources and toys for childminding yet, but you really need to plan. An Ofsted inspector will expect you to know how you are going to use the space, what toys and resources you will get, and how you will use them to follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/974907\/EYFS_framework_-_March_2021.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EYFS framework<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n<li>What resources will you have to create a learning environment?<\/li>\n<li>If you need to rearrange the furniture, do it before the visit<\/li>\n<li>Get pictures of furniture you plan to buy\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>How do your resources cover the EYFS framework?<\/li>\n<li>Do the same for any outdoor space you might have<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" class=\"wp-image-19090\" src=\"https:\/\/korukids-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Claire_mediumres-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"19090\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/korukids-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Claire_mediumres.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/blog\/childminders\/ofsted-childminder-registration-visit-checklist\/attachment\/claire_mediumres-2\/\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Claire_mediumres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Claire_mediumres-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Claire_mediumres-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Claire_mediumres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Claire_mediumres.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[19090],\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\">\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">You don&#8217;t need to have it set up for children, but you can tell the inspector your plans for your space<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:gallery --><!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":40} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height: 40px;\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Play zones and EYFS<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Zones for planned activities are a great way to demonstrate your understanding of EYFS to the inspector. Think of how your home can reflect that you are an inspiring, safe, and knowledgeable person for children to spend time with.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before the visit, you will need to complete training in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/blog\/childminders\/childminder-safeguarding-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">safeguarding<\/a> and first aid for babies and children. You will also need some training in the EYFS framework, and what your responsibilities are as a childminder. You can support children so much at this early age, and that\u2019s why understanding early years\u2019 childhood development is really important.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It\u2019s a good idea to also have done some courses in food hygiene, behavioural management and outdoor play. There is so much you can do and learn to keep growing in your role as a childminder.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":40} --><!-- \/wp:spacer --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>2. Documents, documents, documents\u2026<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There are some documents you will need before you apply to register as a childminder with Ofsted or a childminding agency. Here\u2019s a list of the bare minimum you will need on the day of the registration visit:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n<li>Healthcare declaration<\/li>\n<li>Photo ID<\/li>\n<li>Criminal record (DBS) check\u2014for you and any other adults living or working in your home<\/li>\n<li>Proof of name change (if you have changed your name, for instance through marriage)<\/li>\n<li>Certificate from completed Safeguarding course<\/li>\n<li>Certificate from completed Paediatric first aid course<\/li>\n<li>Employment history (this can be a CV)<\/li>\n<li>References (at least 2, one professional)<\/li>\n<li>Proof of address (at least 2\u2014e.g. utility bills or letters from government agency)<\/li>\n<li>Driving licence, MOT and car insurance\u2014if you will be driving children anywhere<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Language skills<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>During the Ofsted registration visit, the inspector will also check that you\u2014and any assistants working with you\u2014speak English well enough to develop children\u2019s English language skills. It&#8217;s also important that no-one smokes at the property, and that you have carried out a risk assessment.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Policies and day-to-day admin<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You probably want to think ahead to:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n<li>What insurance you are going to get\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>What your rates will be<\/li>\n<li>How your menu plan will look<\/li>\n<li>What your welcome booklet for parents will include<\/li>\n<li>What your budget will look like\u2014for things you need before you start, and supplies, food, and transport costs after your home nursery is up and running<\/li>\n<li>How you plan to keep records<\/li>\n<li>What forms and documents you will need\n<ul>\n<li>application forms for children<\/li>\n<li>reporting incidents<\/li>\n<li>learning journal<\/li>\n<li>attendance register<\/li>\n<li>contract<\/li>\n<li>safeguarding policy<\/li>\n<li>complaints policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember that you don\u2019t have to have your home and your business completely ready and set up. You just need to show what you plan to do, and what it will be like when it\u2019s ready. The Ofsted inspector will mainly focus on you during the registration visit: are you a childminder able to provide childcare? Will you be able to follow the safeguarding and welfare requirements? Do you understand the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework?<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":38} --><!-- \/wp:spacer --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height: 40px;\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Why do you need an Ofsted registration visit?<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ofsted do visits and inspections to make sure that your environment\u2014and you, as a childminder\u2014are suitable and safe to care for children. They consider safeguarding, EYFS, food hygiene, safe sleep, and stimulating, age-appropriate learning opportunities and resources. What they\u2019re really checking is that you are knowledgeable, and know how to set your home up properly.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><!-- \/wp:html -->\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-48d4262 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"48d4262\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-540dd2a elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-28157 elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"540dd2a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Not sure childminding is right for you?<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re not sure childminding is right for you, learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/work-in-childcare\">other childcare careers at Koru Kids<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you set out to become a childminder, your Ofsted registration visit is a milestone moment, but it can also feel very stressful. So\u2013we&#8217;ve put together a checklist of all the things you will have to do and learn before your Ofsted childminder registration visit. We hope it helps you prepare!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":15938,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[144],"tags":[160],"hashtags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14797"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/61"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14797"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14797\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28174,"href":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14797\/revisions\/28174"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14797"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14797"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14797"},{"taxonomy":"hashtags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.korukids.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtags?post=14797"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}