Top tips on achieving that Ofsted outstanding grade

Do you want to achieve an Outstanding grade in your next inspection? Is so why not try our top tips in helping you achieve this?

Achieving that top outstanding grade is a top priority for childcare settings. It shows high-quality care and outstanding practice throughout the setting. With the new introduction of The Common Inspection Framework in September 2015, it is more important now that managers are up to date with current changes.

Here are a few top tips for helping you achieve that outstanding grade;

• On the day of the inspection stay calm and be in control. Demonstrate your confidence in what you do and lead the inspection around your setting pointing out valuable information as you go
• Ask the Ofsted for their ID and ask them to sign in the visitor’s book.
• Do your homework and be prepared by reading all the available material on getting ready for an Ofsted inspection. Information included in these documents will give an indication of what the inspector will be looking for.
• Ensure policies and procedures are up to date including the new changes. Ofsted will request policies and procedures to look through; therefore it is important that these are up to date.
• Don’t be afraid to be confident. Showing confidence in your team will help settle their nerves and don’t be afraid to challenge the inspector if you are confident that something works well in your setting then voice this to the inspector.
• Talk to parents as they arrive and ask them if they have time at the end of the day to talk to the inspector about their experience at the setting.
• No matter what the evidence is eg thank you cards etc keep these in a folder to show Ofsted. Any form of feedback is a must to keep.
• With your inspection looming try to do your best to ensure all documentation is up to date and that all relevant certificates and poster and displayed. Ofsted will check certain documentation such as your single central record, training plans and your recruitment process.
•  During an Ofsted inspection, the inspector will request to see certain documentation make sure these are easy accessible.
• Is your SEF up to date? This is a great way to show Ofsted what changes you have made since the previous inspection. It is good practice to continuously add to your SEF. Don’t forget to add information regarding training you have recently completed.
• With the introduction of the new common inspection framework, Ofsted is keen to see how settings are effectively monitoring children’s learning and development. Why not make sure your learning journeys and assessments reflect the level of children’s progress in your care.
• It is managers/owners jobs to ensure the British Values are actively promoted in everyday practice it is not enough to just display posters and have books to reflect these.
• If in receipt of Early Year’s Pupil Premium funding Ofsted will ask what this funding has been used for and how it has had an impact on the child or children. It is best practice to keep evidence to show the impact whether this is photos, observations, parents comments, children comments or other professional’s comments.

Being involved in an Ofsted inspection can be daunting, but by preparing yourself as much as you can, can take away some of the added pressure.