Understanding the Key Differences Between Ofsted Inspections for Childminders and Nursery Practitioners

Ofsted. That big, scary word.No matter how long you’ve been in childcare, that phone call always makes your stomach flip. We pour our heart and soul into this job, and suddenly someone’s coming in to judge us on it.

As a new childminder, the thought of an Ofsted inspector sitting in my living room felt terrifying. I’d spent years working in nurseries, and I’d been part of amazing teams that achieved Outstanding. I thought I knew what an inspection felt like. Turns out, I had no idea just how different it would be when I was doing it all on my own.

Nursery Life: A Team Effort

When I worked in nurseries, inspections were a team affair. I focused on my room, my staff, and my key children. We’d spend days making sure learning journals were up to date, rooms looked immaculate, and everyone felt confident about safeguarding questions. There was a nervous excitement in the air, but I never felt alone.

When the inspector arrived, it wasn’t me who had to greet them or start answering questions straight away — that was the manager’s role. I got to focus on what I did best: working with the children.

The Call That Changed Everything

Fast forward to me as a lone childminder. One Thursday afternoon, I was mid–nappy change when my watch flashed “Ofsted.” My heart dropped.

I quickly asked for two minutes, finished cleaning up, and washed my hands before answering properly. That call lasted 45 minutes. In between scribbling notes and answering questions, I also helped another child on the potty. Welcome to the glamorous life of a childminder!

By the end of the call, I knew I’d be inspected within the next five working days. Cue panic.

Preparing Solo

That weekend, I went into overdrive. I deep-cleaned (even hiring a cleaner!), decluttered, and rewrote my Learning Walk document, making sure I could explain every single resource and why it was there.

Because I don’t have a manager to back me up, I reached out to parents for written testimonials — just in case the inspector didn’t get to speak to them.

The Day of the Inspection

Unlike nursery inspections, there was no cosy office or leadership team to greet the inspector. It was just me. I opened the door, offered her a cup of tea, answered all the housekeeping and safeguarding questions, and then got straight back into my normal morning routine with the children — all while she observed and asked more questions.

There was no “tag team” moment, no stepping aside while someone else spoke. It was a one-woman show from start to finish.

Wearing All the Hats

Back in my nursery days, my focus was my room. I didn’t manage invoices, decide on resources, or handle every single referral. As a childminder, I’m not just the practitioner. I’m the chef, the SENCO, the admin team, and everyone’s key person.

That’s what makes a childminder inspection so intense: you’re responsible for everything. Ofsted expects you to confidently talk about safeguarding, development, SEND, partnerships with parents, and the day-to-day running of your business — all while providing a great day for the children in your care.

Final Thoughts

Both nursery and childminder inspections are challenging, but being a lone practitioner adds a unique level of pressure. There’s no manager to answer the door, no deputy to keep things running while you chat with the inspector, no colleague to calm your nerves.

But there’s also something empowering about it. As a childminder, you are the heart of your business. The inspection is a chance to showcase your expertise, your relationships with the children, and the thoughtful environment you’ve created.

If you’re awaiting your first inspection, know this: your normal day-to-day practice is enough. The inspector isn’t looking for perfection; they want to see genuine care, purposeful play, and your passion for helping children thrive.

Here’s my advice:

• Don’t try to be perfect. Inspectors want to see your normal day.

• Be prepared, but not over-prepared. Have your documents ready but focus on being yourself.

• Believe in your expertise. You’re not “just” a childminder. You’re running a whole business and shaping little lives every day.

You’ve got this. ❤️

~ Mahalah ~

Co-Founder Nurture Co.