23 replies to this topic

[sunnyday]

I have just updated my SEF online - woohoo another job cleared from my 'to do' list!

I was secretly hoping that I might 'go in' and find that my SEF was 'frozen' as I am really hoping for an inspection ..... we still have not had an inspection since the dawn of the EYFS anyway, needless to say it was not locked or frozen

So.....my question is......is that just a myth? Has anyone found their SEF frozen/locked just before inspection? Or has anyone found that they could still access freely and then had an inspection?

[SuzieC8]

I'm sorry Sunny but you really will have to wait your turn, we are first in line for the inspectors.


Not sure about the frozen myth, but well done on updating. Remember the SEF refusers club? Haven't updated ours for a while, it is on a to do list somewhere but I have more important things to be getting on with.

One tip is to have a little 'SEF update book' where staff can scribble down things as they do them - otherwise you tend to forget all those fab things that go on.

[sunnyday]

Promise to 'wait in line' nicely Suzie!

Oh yes, 'SEF Refusers Club' - believe that I was a 'founding member'! Definitely lost my place in that club now - not only is my SEF updated - but I am the proud owner of an all singing, all dancing SEF folder can you believe it I am a 'reformed character' (well, maybe not - just trying to do anything that may make for a 'smooth' inspection! )

Like the idea of the 'SEF update book'.......

[SuzieC8]

I plan to hand it to the inspector when she arrives, and say 'this is all the stuff we would have put in SEF if you a. paid us for this job and b. didn't constantly give us other paperwork to deal with.'

Glad to see you making a nice straight line, I think bridger wanted to join us, she can go at the back.

[louby loo]

A SEF folder? ..........you really are letting the side down! Now I'll have to go and make one.......

PS - What's in it???!!!


Anyway we're first for the inspection. I have managed to put put some kind of SEF online, but it still has bits missing.
Now I'm thinking perhaps I need a SEF folder as back up. We have got a copy in a folder with notes and various bits and bobs in it............does that class a SEF folder or has yours got definite things in it?

xxx

[happychap]

The frozen SEF has been true on one occassion for us but not on another, so it is possible. I would try to get as much into the SEF online as possible, as they will ask you fewer questions on the day, but use the SEF to verify what you have said is true. This is much easier than trying to come up with stuff on the spot!

[SuzieC8]

Don't worry it's not a folder, just a tiny (A6) size notebook with a label on it saying 'SEF update book'. It really is just full of scribbled things that would be good to mention in our SEF. All staff are welcome to add stuff into it. It's so easy to forget the good practice you do.

How come Looby lou has pushed in at the front of the line? Let's do it on who's been overdue longest.

We were due last May, so will be a year overdue soon. Anyone else been waiting longer?

[sunnyday]

louby loo, on Jan 28 2011, 17:10, said:

A SEF folder? ..........you really are letting the side down! Now I'll have to go and make one.......

PS - What's in it???!!!


Anyway we're first for the inspection. I have managed to put put some kind of SEF online, but it still has bits missing.
Now I'm thinking perhaps I need a SEF folder as back up. We have got a copy in a folder with notes and various bits and bobs in it............does that class a SEF folder or has yours got definite things in it?

xxx

Ahem! Are you even in the queue? When did you join? Now as I understand it the order is ...Suzie, me, bridger.....if you would like to join please stand behind bridger and no pushing!

SEF folder contents: SEF, SEF Action Plan, Copies of Policies, Parents as Partners - parent's comments and parent surveys, Newsletters, SIP and DW Notes of Visits, Forms/Documents used regularly in the setting (loads of 'stuff' in that section!), Examples of planning and evaluation, Examples of Key Person plans, Action Plans, Staff details - qualifications/safeguarding checks etc.etc., Staff meeting records, Risk Assessments, Photos, External Agencies - contact details etc.

I have no idea whether this is really necessary - I just plan to hand to inspector, I shall be wearing my best smile at the time....then I'm hoping that there is plenty in their to keep him/her occupied, so that we are not answering too many questions! - Well I can hope!

[sunnyday]

SuzieC8, on Jan 28 2011, 17:50, said:

Don't worry it's not a folder, just a tiny (A6) size notebook with a label on it saying 'SEF update book'. It really is just full of scribbled things that would be good to mention in our SEF. All staff are welcome to add stuff into it. It's so easy to forget the good practice you do.

How come Looby lou has pushed in at the front of the line? Let's do it on who's been overdue longest.

We were due last May, so will be a year overdue soon. Anyone else been waiting longer?

Suzie - looby loo was (I think) referring to my all singing, all dancing SEF folder!

Oh you def. deserve to be at the front of the queue - we were due last November, hmmm wonder how 'overdue' bridger and looby loo are - I don't want to slip too far back in this line.....

[sunnyday]

happychap, on Jan 28 2011, 17:38, said:

The frozen SEF has been true on one occassion for us but not on another, so it is possible. I would try to get as much into the SEF online as possible, as they will ask you fewer questions on the day, but use the SEF to verify what you have said is true. This is much easier than trying to come up with stuff on the spot!

Hi happychap - thank you for your response.......hmmm....so.....we can't really tell about the 'frozen SEF'.....

[Cait]

and make sure your staff know what's in the SEF too - the big O ask questions!

[louby loo]

Phew........ A6 book I can manage.

sunnyday ... we have our old Operational Plan still, which sounds like your folder. I shall go in early Monday morning and give it a new name (and change/update a few bits!!!!)


Our inspect due last June so that puts me behind suziecb.............

[sunnyday]

Cait, on Jan 28 2011, 18:06, said:

and make sure your staff know what's in the SEF too - the big O ask questions!

Well they had better!

Have I mentioned our 'role-play' - I'm the inspector and my poor staff have all sorts of questions 'fired' at them!

[Cait]

hahaha sounds like you have fun! And do you have a child wee on the floor and another have a tantrum at the same time?

[Gezabel]

Just wondering how many of us are waiting for an inspection and feel the big O are overdue.

Our last inspection was 3yrs 11mths ago