Tops Talks

In this episode, Sophie is joined by Amy to explore what strong inclusive practice really looks like in action. The conversation looks at early identification of children’s needs, the graduated approach, working in partnership with families, building confident teams and creating an ambitious and accessible curriculum for every child. With a focus on the new Ofsted framework, the episode shares pra...

Fresh from a recent Early Years conference, the Quality Team are back together to share the ideas, conversations and moments that really got them thinking. From closing the attainment gap and creating inspiring outdoor spaces to sustainability, meaningful environments, a love of books and inclusive SEND practice, we explore the key takeaways that challenged our thinking and inspired us to reflect...

Expressive Arts and Design isn't about producing the perfect painting or following step-by-step crafts. It's about imagination, creativity, music, movement, storytelling, role play and giving children the freedom to express themselves. Join Sophie as she explores why the creative process is far more important than the finished product.

Curiosity is at the heart of every great learner. In this episode, Sophie explores how children naturally investigate, question and discover the world around them, and how educators can nurture those moments through meaningful experiences, conversations and play.

When you hear the word writing, what comes to mind? Pencils? Worksheets? Letter formation? In this episode of Tops Talks, Sophie challenges some of the common misconceptions about writing in the early years and explores why writing is about so much more than putting words on paper. From mark making and storytelling to schemas and purposeful play, this episode will help you see writing through a co...

Mathematics is often misunderstood in early years. It's not just counting and number recognition; it's pattern, space, measure, comparison and reasoning. Sophie explores how mathematical thinking develops naturally through play, curiosity and everyday experiences. From transporting schemas and tower building to problem solving and sustained shared thinking, discover how mathematics is woven throug...

What is it really like to be inspected under the new Ofsted Toolkit? In this episode, Sophie is joined by Senior Nursery Managers, Chanelle and Stacey, who share their honest experiences of navigating inspection, from the planning call to the final feedback. Together, they discuss what surprised them, how the new Toolkit shaped their preparation, how their teams felt on the day, and the lessons th...

Inspection can often feel like one of the most daunting parts of working in early years, but understanding the process can make all the difference. In this episode of Tops Talks, Sophie Johnson explores what inspection looks like under Ofsted's new Early Years Inspection Toolkit. From the planning call and inspection day experience to curriculum, inclusion, safeguarding and leadership, Sophie shar...

Safe sleep is one of the most important responsibilities we have in early years. In this episode, Sophie explores what safer sleep looks like in practice, why consistent routines matter and how small actions can have a significant impact on children's safety and wellbeing. From creating safe sleep environments to effective supervision and working in partnership with parents, this episode is packed...

In this special episode of Tops Talks, we're celebrating an incredible milestone for Tops Day Nurseries - winning The King's Awards. This is the highest official award a UK business can receive, recognising organisations that are making a real difference through innovation and sustainable development.   Join Sophie as she goes behind the scenes with Sandy to explore the journey from application to...

What does a nursery manager's day really look like? From safeguarding and staffing challenges to supporting teams, monitoring quality and handling the unexpected, no two days are ever the same. In this episode, Sophie is joined by a panel of Nursery Managers from Tops to share the realities of leading an early years setting, the challenges people don't always see, and the moments that make the rol...

In this episode of Tops Talks, I’m joined by Helen Markham from Best Practice Network to discuss the Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) programme and the important role it plays in developing future leaders within the early years sector.   Together, we explore what EYITT involves, who it is designed for, and how it can support practitioners to build their knowledge, confidence and leader...

In this episode of Tops Talks, Sophie is joined by Sandy Kemish from Tops and Caroline Taylor from Merry Go Round to unpack the realities of reusable nappies and training pants in Early Years. From tackling common myths and misconceptions to exploring the environmental, financial and developmental benefits, this episode is full of practical advice and honest conversation about making more sustaina...

EP 15 - Trust, Transparency and Teamwork: Building Parent Partnerships – A Conversation with Diane In this episode, we explore what it truly means to work in partnership with families in the early years. Sophie is joined by Diane Wycherley to discuss how strong, trusting relationships with families support children’s wellbeing, learning, and safeguarding. Together, they reflect on building trust f...

In this episode, we explore the magic of storytelling in the early years and the powerful role it plays in children’s development. Sophie is joined by Kasia to discuss how stories spark imagination, build language, and create meaningful moments of connection between adults and children. Together, they reflect on how enthusiasm, expression, and shared storytelling experiences can bring stories to l...

In this episode, we explore the vital connection between staff wellbeing and the quality of care in the early years. Sophie is joined by Charlotte Percival to have an honest and reflective conversation about what wellbeing really means in practice, and why it is fundamental for supporting children’s outcomes. Together, they discuss the real pressures faced by early years professionals, how organis...

In this episode, we explore physical development beyond milestones, looking at how movement shapes confidence, wellbeing, and a child’s sense of belonging. From babies discovering their bodies to young children building independence, we discuss why equal opportunities for movement matter and how inclusive environments ensure every child can experience success in their own way. A reflective and pra...

In this episode, we explore how communication and language begin long before words, rooted in connection, responsiveness, and relationships. From babies’ earliest cues to confident conversations in the preschool years, we unpack how children develop their ability to express themselves, be understood, and make sense of the world. We discuss practical, pressure-free ways to support language developm...

EP 10 - Building Emotionally Strong Children: A Deep Dive into PSED This episode takes a thoughtful look at Personal, Social and Emotional Development in the Early Years. We discuss how to nurture children’s resilience, confidence, and wellbeing through meaningful relationships, supportive environments, and attuned practice. Together, we explore practical strategies that help children build lifelo...

EP 9 - Little Learners - The Behaviours That Build Brains In this episode, we unpack the powerful everyday interactions that shape children’s brains. From co-regulation to connection, we explore the science behind early behaviour and how our responses as educators and caregivers can build stronger, healthier neural pathways. A must-listen for anyone wanting to understand behaviour through a develo...

🎨 Tops Talks – Episode 8: The Meaning in the Making In this episode of Tops Talks, we explore why children learn best through the process of creating rather than the finished product. With Christmas approaching, we dive into how Early Years settings can honour children’s autonomy, creativity, and decision-making during a season often dominated by adult-led crafts. We share sustainable, child-led...

📘 Tops Talks – Episode 7: Growing Through Change Big changes are coming to Early Years this year — and in this episode, Sophie breaks down everything you need to know about the updated EYFS (from September 2025) and the new Ofsted inspection framework (launching November 2025). If you’ve been feeling a little unsure about what’s changing, what’s staying the same, or what it all means for your dai...

🍽️ Tops Talks – Episode 6: Allergy Aware, Care Everywhere This week, Sophie sits down with Ruth and Manuel from the Tops Catering Team to shine a light on one of the busiest and most meaningful parts of nursery life — mealtimes. From managing allergies safely to encouraging conversation and independence, mealtimes offer endless opportunities for learning, connection, and care. Sophie, Ruth, and Ma...

🎶 Tops Talks – Episode 5 is here! This week, Sophie is joined by Tasha from Boogie Mites to explore how music and movement can transform learning in the early years. From bouncing babies to confident preschoolers, Boogie Mites brings rhythm, rhyme, and energy to every part of the day, boosting brain development, language, and even wellbeing for children and practitioners. But it’s not just about...

This week, Sophie is joined by Corey Grey to dig into one of the most powerful (and sometimes overlooked) parts of Early Years learning: the garden. From climbing frames to mud kitchens, crates to sticks, outdoor spaces are more than just play—they’re places where children build resilience, problem-solving skills, creativity, and a love for nature. But what if your garden is small, or equipment is...