The anxiety is real. You know you're a good childminder, but the thought of an inspector watching your every move is genuinely stressful. Here's what they actually ask — based on the 2026 EYFS framework and real childminder experiences — and how to answer confidently.
Inspectors check four things: Are children safe? (safeguarding, risk assessments, ratios). Are children learning? (EYFS coverage, observations, progress). Are children happy? (behaviour, wellbeing, engagement). Are you leading well? (self-evaluation, CPD, parent partnerships).
"Talk me through what you would do if a child disclosed something concerning." Answer: "I'd listen without questioning, reassure them, record exactly what they said, and contact my LADO within 24 hours. I would not investigate further."
"Who is your LADO and when would you contact them?" Know their name and council. Write it in your safeguarding policy right now if you haven't.
"Show me your risk assessment for this room." Have it printed, dated, and accessible. Walk them through hazards, controls, and last review date.
"How do you know what each child needs to learn next?" "I observe daily, note what they can do and what they're almost doing, then plan next steps."
"How do you cover all seven areas across a typical week?" Walk through a recent week: "Monday physical in the garden, Tuesday creative painting, Wednesday maths through cooking."
"How do you support children with EAL?" "Visual timetables, Makaton signs, key words in their home language from parents."
"How do you manage challenging behaviour?" "Consistent boundaries, positive reinforcement, understanding the driver. Never physical punishment or isolation."
"How do you support emotional wellbeing?" "Feelings chart, naming emotions during play, calming activities, key person relationships."
"What would you say are your weaknesses?" Be honest but constructive. "I'm working on written observations — I've started using a template that helps."
"What training have you done recently?" Name specific training and exactly how it changed your practice.
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