How to Prepare Your Home for Ofsted as a Childminder

Preparing your home for Ofsted is one of the most important and most misunderstood parts of becoming a registered childminder. Many new childminders assume they need a perfect, Pinterest-worthy setup… but Ofsted isn’t looking for perfection.

They’re looking for safety, suitability, organisation, and your understanding of the EYFS.

This guide breaks down everything you need to prepare your home with confidence, avoid common inspection mistakes, and set up a space that parents immediately trust.

---

Step 1: Understanding What Ofsted Looks For

✔ Safety

Are hazards removed or controlled? Are children protected at all times?

✔ Suitability

Is your home clean, organised, and appropriate for childcare?

✔ Learning Environment

Do you provide varied opportunities for EYFS learning indoors and outdoors?

✔ Risk Assessments

Are you able to identify dangers, supervise effectively, and explain your safety processes?

✔ Preparedness

Do you understand how your home layout supports the EYFS?

This preparation alone reduces 90% of stress new childminders experience before inspection.

---

Step 2: Essential Safety Measures (Non-Negotiables)

To meet Ofsted’s safety expectations, make sure you have the following in place:

1. Working Smoke Alarms (Every Floor)

Must be tested regularly and easy to access.

2. Fire Safety Equipment

A fire blanket is essential for the kitchen; a small extinguisher is recommended.

3. Secure Storage for Hazards

Cleaning products, medication, tools, and sharp objects must be kept out of reach or locked away.

4. Stair Gates

If caring for under 5s, stair gates are strongly recommended.

5. Covered Radiators or Safe Heating

Avoid exposed hot surfaces where children play.

6. Secure Doors & Gardens

Front door locked. Back garden fully enclosed.

7. Nappy Changing Hygiene

Wipes, gloves, sealed bin, disinfectant spray.

8. First Aid Kit

Fully stocked and designed for paediatric use.

---

Step 3: Creating a Learning-Ready Home Environment

Ofsted doesn’t expect a dedicated playroom, just that your space is:

• Organised

• Clean

• Inviting

• Appropriate for the EYFS

Here’s what ideally makes up a strong environment:

✔ Play Area Setup

• Low shelves

• Rotated toys

• Range of EYFS resources (blocks, puzzles, books, pretend play, sensory items)

• A cosy reading corner

✔ Meal & Table Area

• Child-size chairs

• Hygiene rules displayed

• Easy to clean surfaces

✔ Sleep & Rest Area

Depending on age ranges:

• Travel cot

• Nap mats

• Soft lighting

• Quiet corner

✔ Outdoor Area

You must offer outdoor play daily.
If you don’t have a garden, plan:

• Local park schedule

• Walks

• Nature/physical activities

---

Step 4: Required Paperwork & Policies for Inspection

Ofsted will check you have clear versions of:

• Safeguarding & Child Protection policy

• Complaints policy

• Behaviour management policy

• Risk assessments

• Accident/incident log

• Visitor log

• Fire evacuation plan

• Daily attendance records

• Admin forms (registration forms, permissions, medical info)

Tip: Keep all policies in a labelled folder and all forms in a separate organiser.
Presentation matters more than people think.

---

Step 5: Room-by-Room Breakdown (Checklist)

Kitchen

• Cleaning products locked away

• Hot drinks out of reach

• Fire blanket visible

• Safe food prep area

Living Room / Playroom

• Secure TV

• Corner guards

• Clean floor space

• Age-appropriate toys

Bathroom

• Anti-slip mat

• Locked toiletries

• Potty equipment (if applicable)

• Cleaning spray stored safely

Bedroom / Sleep Area

• No loose bedding

• Sleep monitors optional

• Area must be supervised or easily visible

Garden

• Locked shed

• Tools out of reach

• No poisonous plants

• Safe fences

---

Step 6: Common Mistakes New Childminders Make

Here are the biggest reasons inspections get delayed:

❌ Missing safety equipment
❌ No written risk assessments
❌ Paperwork not organised
❌ Dirty or cluttered environment
❌ No outdoor play plan
❌ Toys not varied enough
❌ Inadequate understanding of the EYFS

Avoid these, and you are already ahead of most applicants.