FSF Event - Breakout Room Question 1 - What was an unexpected success in your setting this year, or something you planned for that went really well?

[Stephen]

[Helen]

Interestingly, two or three participants of the breakout room I attended at the FSF conference were really delighted that they had had successful Ofsted inspections. Whilst this is obviously a great achievement and a huge relief, it was suggested that success isn't always reflected in an inspection outcome. Perhaps we're out of the habit of being able to reflect on our practice and provision and celebrate what we do well. We're part of a sector that historically hasn't felt comfortable 'blowing our own trumpets' but maybe we should do just that, and learn to identify and express what's working well for our children, families and staff.

[AnonyMouse_7120]

I was going to answer last night with ‘finally achieving outstanding’ but deleted what I typed because I’d gone past caring if we got the outstanding and you definitely go past caring by the time you can actually tell anyone, what is that all about 🤷‍♀️ But I guess achieving it with very little planning, paperwork or unnecessary staff meetings reinforced that we don’t need it all and work/life balance for all is more important that pointless paperwork no one will ever look at again 😁 

[Helen]

I really smiled when I read this!

Satisfaction and fulfillment is so much more profound when it comes from your children, families and staff thriving, rather than an inspection judgement. I love your conclusion- that an excellent setting doesn't need much paperwork- it's all about the staff and learning environment. 🙂

But I'm delighted you also got outstanding! 

[JackTapestrySupport]

We had some really nice answers off the back of this question:  A specialist support school has started inviting families, who got referred to them for places but didn't get one, into a new family support group. They said it's been a great source of contact for those parents still looking for a place. Another participant told us how they started a community garden with the children; weaving it into all their learning, letting children take potted vegetables home to take care of, using books that follow the theme have all been amazingly successful.