Self-evaluation form
If you're a registered childminder in
England delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage you
can complete a self-evaluation form from Ofsted to help support
your inspection.
While it isn't compulsory to complete the self-evaluation form,
the Ofsted inspector will use it as the main document for planning
their inspection of your setting, so if you choose not to provide
information via the self evaluation form your might need to provide
it in another way.
You can use the SEF to:
- help identify your strengths so you are able to draw these to
the attention of the inspector
- help you identify any areas for improvement, so you can think
about how you plan to work on these for the future
- give the inspector the facts about your setting in advance to
help the inspection go as smoothly as possible.
The SEF is based on four key judgements that Ofsted will look at
during the inspection process:
- How effective is the provision in meeting the needs of the
children in the EYFS?
How effectively are children helped to learn and develop?
- How effectively is the welfare of children developed?
- How effectively is provision in the EYFS led and managed?
It's a good idea to get hold of a copy of the self-evaluation
form and review it regularly to ensure it’s kept up-to-date. Then,
when the inspector calls to say the inspection is due, only a quick
review will be necessary. The early years self-evaluation form
(SEF) is available to complete online, and this is the way Ofsted
encourages childminders to complete the form.
In order to complete your SEF online, you will need a unique
password from Ofsted called an Ofsted Security Token (OST) and the
guidelines on how to complete the online form. If you've not
already received an OST and instructions from Ofsted
you should contact them direct on 08456 404043.
Ofsted provides guidance on completing the self-evaluation form
as well as a downloadable copy of the self-evaluation form for
those who would prefer to complete it by hand.
To prevent accidental losses of the information on your SEF,
remember to make a back-up copy to your own computer each time you
make a change.