Get Inspection Ready - For Early Years Nurseries and Preschools to Finally Feel Confident for Ofsted!

In this episode, I wanted to take the time to tell you all about our amazing Quality Improvement Audits (QIA) and why we don't call them Mock Inspections. We started doing QIA's to help settings understand how they can improve and ensure they are aware of what they need to do to prepare for their big day! Within this episode, you will learn about: - Why we do Quality Improvement Audits - How they...

Welcome to the final part of The World of Early Years Qualifications with the fantastic Sophie Hayter! This week we are switching our focus to oversea qualifications and how to tell if they are full and relevant in the UK. Within this episode, you will learn about: - Ecctis and their role in oversea qualifications - The importance of functional skills - How to get an oversea qualification to be fu...

Welcome to part 2 of The World of Early Years Qualifications with Sophie Hayter! This time we focus on a different aspect of qualifications with a focus on Degree level qualifications. Within this episode, you will learn all about: - The two types of Early Years Degrees - How to tell if the Degree is full and relevant - What to look out for when applying to do a Degree in Early Years Early Years &...

Today I have another special guest! The fantastic Sophie Hayter as she tells us all about the world of Early Years qualifications and how to tell if a qualification is right for both you and the business you work for. In this episode, you will learn about: - What a good training provider looks like - How to tell if a qualification will be full and relevant - How to navigate the world of qualificat...

Are you dreading your next Ofsted inspection and wondering how to turn it into a positive experience? In this episode, we delve into the real-life story of Jenny from Wells House Kindergarten, who transformed a potentially stressful Ofsted visit into a surprisingly positive experience. If you've ever felt the pressure of an upcoming inspection, this episode is packed with insights that could help...

Today I am back with Stephen from Blackmoor Park as we continue with what we talked about last week and this time focus on their most recent inspection, how their experience with the inspector went and how they felt it went. In this episode, you will learn about: - Blackmoor's experience with their recent inspection. - How to own your setting so you can wow your inspector. - Their tips and tricks...

Today I am joined by the lovely Stephen Ross as we discuss his recent experiences with an inspection and talk about his setting as a whole, the journey they have been on and what they have done to prepare for their big day. Within this episode, you will learn about: - The history of Blackmoor Park Day Nursery - How they managed to bounce back - What they did to improve their practice For resources...

Today I want to revisit the learning walk as it is a key part of an inspection and it is the time for your setting to shine and show your inspector what sets you apart from the rest and makes you a great setting! Within this episode, you will learn about: - Why you should encourage your Room Leaders to talk about their room and intention. - How to Shine in your Learning Walk  - What to do to prepa...

Are you confident that your safer sleep practices meet the highest standards—and that your team knows  exactly what to do? In Early Years settings, ensuring babies and toddlers sleep safely isn't just best practice—it's essential for their well-being and your peace of mind. This episode tackles developing and maintaining a comprehensive safer sleep policy to protect the children in your care and s...

Emotional Literacy is a hot topic in Early Years at the moment, and it is a term that I hear being thrown around a lot. So I want to ensure that everyone knows what it is, how we can support it and its IMPACT. Within this episode, you will learn about: - What Emotional Literacy is - How we can support this - The benefits of supporting children with their Emotional Literacy. For resources to suppor...

Ever wonder why children flip their lids when you least expect it?  In this episode, we dive into why kids' "big feelings" often lead to behaviour meltdowns and how recognizing these emotions can be the key to a calmer, more supportive environment for them and for you. Whether you're an early years professional or a parent, these insights are essential for helping children thrive. Within this epis...

Are your staff meetings inspiring real change, or just ticking a CPD box? If you're struggling to get your team truly engaged in their professional development—or if you feel your staff training lacks direction—this episode will show you how to create training that's meaningful, collaborative, and inspection-ready. Within this episode, you will... Discover how to transform everyday team discussion...

For this week I want to focus on the induction process, this is your time to ensure that your newest team member is aware of how your setting operates. This is your time to motivate them, show them what your setting is all about and find out if they are a right fit for your setting. In this episode, you will learn about: - Why we do staff inductions - Where to start with staff inductions - The imp...

Safer Recruitment is a key part of safeguarding within Early Years and we know it is hard to get practitioners into our settings, but it is still vital that we follow all of the safer recruitment guidelines, including having up-to-date safer recruitment training. Within this episode, you will learn about: - What Safer Recruitment entails - The importance of following your policies - The importance...

Are you ready to face Ofsted inspections with confidence and resilience, even amid challenging times? Our latest podcast episode dives into the core challenges faced by early years settings and offers practical strategies to navigate these effectively. With many providers struggling to adapt, this episode is packed with insights to help you maintain excellence and support your team. Within this ep...

How often do you find transition times in your nursery to be stressful for both children and staff? If managing the chaos of moving kids from outdoor play to lunchtime feels overwhelming, you're not alone. Many nurseries struggle with ensuring smooth transitions that meet each child's needs without causing stress. Imagine a more seamless, less chaotic way to handle these critical moments! In our l...

Today, I want to talk to you all about something exciting... Our Jigsaw Early Years Academy! We have been thinking about doing this for a while now, but it is finally happening! Join me today and learn about: - All about the Jigsaw Early Years Academy - The services it provides - How it can support your setting. Academy form, https://jigsaweyc.activehosted.com/f/128 Jigsaw Early Years Academy, htt...

In this episode, we will revisit the notification call. I cannot stress the importance of this enough; this is your time to shine and show Ofsted that you are prepared for your Inspection! This is your time to make an amazing first impression, so make the most of it! In this episode, you will learn about: - All the documents you need to have prepared. - Everything the inspector will ask for during...

Are your interactions with young children fostering the best learning experiences possible? In today's fast-paced world, ensuring high-quality interactions in early childhood education can be a challenge. This episode delves into how we can enhance our communication skills to better support children's learning and development, addressing a crucial aspect of their educational journey. Within this e...

Did you know at least half of your team within the baby room need to have received training in working with children under 2? For today, I want to talk all about why baby training is paramount and the impact it can have on both the safety and the development of the babies within your setting. In this episode, you will learn about: - The IMPACT that specialised baby training can have. - What the St...

Have you ever wondered if a fresh pair of eyes could drastically improve the way your nursery or educational setting operates? In this episode, we explore how a quality improvement audit can not only uncover unseen opportunities for growth but also affirm the good work you're already doing. If you're feeling stuck or want to know how to consistently maintain high standards without the fear of Ofst...

Today I am joined by the lovely Glenn Denny as we discuss the world of Early Years and the joys and challenges that come with it! In this episode, you will learn about: - Glenn's personal experiences within Early Years. - The benefits of outdoor Play in Early Years Education. - The power of Risky Play. Glenn's Circle Time Podcast, http://circletimepodcast.co.uk/ For resources to support you on you...

Episode 71 - What should be in a Staff File. Today I am joined by the lovely Hannah, as we discuss your Staff file and everything that you need to have in this to be compliant with Ofsted. This needs to contain up-to-date and relevant information. In this episode, you will learn about: - How important your staff file is. - Why it needs to be kept up-to-date. - What Ofsted want to see in your staff...

Episode 070 - The IMPACT of Observations. Today I am joined by Hannah again as we discuss what we have been seeing when out on inspections. This week is all about observations and how to ensure they are adding IMPACT and are done frequently. In this episode, you will learn about: - The importance of observations within the setting. - How observations can add IMPACT to the child's development - The...

Are you ready for your next inspection, or could a surprise visit catch you off guard? In this episode, we'll guide you through the crucial steps for preparing for that all-important notification call from an inspector—ensuring you're fully prepared, even if they arrive unannounced. Within this episode, you'll learn: 1. The exact questions inspectors will ask, so there are no surprises. 2. How to...