How to be an Outstanding Childminder

Allison Lee has been working in the childcare industry for almost 25 years and has a wealth of experience in nursery management. She owns and runs a small chain of nurseries, and her business has been rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

"...written by practising childminder Allison Lee, who has been running a childminding business for 14 years and has herself achieved an 'outstanding' grade for her childcare service. In clear, readable language Allison covers topics...The book is filled with handy hints and practical guidance, together with exercises to test your knowledge and understanding of what is expected of you during your Ofsted inspection."

• Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1 Ofsted The aims of the registration system The grading system Regulations and legislation Disqualifications Chapter 2 Professionalism    Understanding the requirements of registration Insurance Employing suitable people Your responsibilities to parents Your responsibilities to children Chapter 3 Your Inspection The inspector - friend or foe? What to expect from your inspection How to impress the inspector Keeping the children entertained during your inspection Chapter 4 Early Years Foundation Stage What the Early Years Foundation Stage means to childminders The Early Years Foundation Stage pack Producing evidence to support your practice of the Early Years Foundation Stage Chapter 5 Achieving the Every Child Matters Outcomes How can childminders help children to be healthy? How can childminders help children to stay safe? How can childminders help children to enjoy and achieve? How can childminders help children to make a positive contribution? How can childminders help children to achieve economic well being? Chapter 6 Planning for Children The importance of planning Writing and implementing curriculum plans Observing and assessing children Chapter 7 Essential Paperwork Contracts and how to complete them Record forms and how to complete them Medical forms and how to complete them Attendance registers Accounts Diaries and what to include Writing policies Safety checks Fire drills Chapter 8 Checklists Safeguarding Information and complaints Premises and security Outings Equality of opportunity Medicines Illness and injuries Food and drink Smoking Behaviour management Suitable People Safe recruitment Chapter 9 Moving on Thinking about making changes? Ways to expand When to inform Ofsted Chapter 10 Evaluation Outstanding? What next? Reflecting on practice List of useful websites