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

260 - The Power of Impact Early Years 26.10.2026 26m

Are piles of paperwork, scattered staff records and endless to-do lists making it harder to stay on top of your early years setting? Managing compliance, safeguarding, staff training and inspections can feel overwhelming, especially when information is spread across folders, spreadsheets and different systems. But what if everything you needed was in one place, helping your team take responsibility, keep track of actions and feel more confident about inspection readiness? In this episode of Get Inspection Ready, Vanessa Dooley chats with Abbie and Nic from Scallywags about their experience of using IMPACT Early Years and how it has changed the way they manage their setting. Within this episode, you will... 🎧 Discover how bringing paperwork, staff records and compliance information together can save valuable time. 🎧 Learn how assigning audits, tracking actions and using calendar reminders can help your team stay accountable and get things done. 🎧 Find out how having safeguarding information, staff training records and inspection preparation documents readily available can help you feel more organised and confident. Press play to hear how Scallywags transformed their approach to managing their setting, reclaimed valuable time and built a more organised, efficient way of working. Find out more about Impact Early Years, www.impactearlyyears.com

259 - Stop Recycling Themes And Start Opening Windows! 19.10.2026 13m

Are you really opening windows to the world for children, or simply opening the same topic box every autumn? It's easy to fall into familiar patterns: autumn means leaves, October means pumpkins, and the same themes come around year after year. But what if your curriculum could go much further? This episode explores how everyday moments, conversations and real-life experiences can become starting points for meaningful learning. From a map in a suitcase to a conversation about where we live, Vanessa and Lucy explore how practitioners can follow children's curiosity, build cultural capital and create experiences that give every child something to contribute. Within this episode, you will... Discover how to move beyond recycled themes and create richer learning experiences. Learn how simple, everyday moments can open up meaningful opportunities for children to explore the wider world. Explore how to build cultural capital and a genuine sense of belonging by valuing every child's experiences and starting points. Press play now and discover how you can start opening more windows to the world for the children in your setting. Find out more, https://jigsawearlyyearstraining.com/product/windows-to-the-world/

258 - Maths Is More Than Numbers 12.10.2026 12m

Are you missing maths opportunities in your setting because you're only looking for numbers and counting? Early maths is happening everywhere, from a baby fitting objects into containers, to a toddler comparing sizes, to a preschooler building a tower or working out how many pieces they need. The challenge is recognising those everyday moments and knowing how to use them to develop children's mathematical thinking and language. In this episode of Get Inspection Ready, we look beyond number lines and counting to explore what a mathematically rich early years environment really looks like. Within this episode, you will... 🎧 Recognise the maths that is already happening throughout your daily routines and provision. 🎧 Understand how to develop children's mathematical thinking through meaningful, everyday experiences. 🎧 Identify ways practitioners can use mathematical language and interactions to extend learning without turning everything into a test. Press play and discover how you can find more meaningful maths opportunities in your setting without buying another single resource! For more resources, please visit www.jigsawearlyyearsconsultancy.com

257 - EYPP, Are You Actually Making the Money Make a Difference? 05.10.2026 12m

Are you confident you could explain to an inspector exactly how your EYPP funding is making a difference to eligible children? It can be easy to focus on what you've bought with your Early Years Pupil Premium funding, but the real question is: what difference has it made? In this episode of Get Inspection Ready, Vanessa explores how to move beyond simply spending EYPP and instead use it to identify barriers, strengthen practice and improve outcomes for children. From staff development and language support to home learning and meaningful experiences, you'll discover how to connect your spending to a clear need and, most importantly, demonstrate the impact. By listening, you'll learn how to: Identify which children may be eligible for EYPP and why this matters. Make purposeful decisions about how EYPP funding could support identified needs. Clearly demonstrate what you've done, why you've done it and the difference it has made. Play the episode today and discover how to turn your EYPP funding into meaningful action and measurable impact for the children who need it most.

256 - Progress Check at Two: Is Yours Actually Good Enough? 28.09.2026 12m

If you picked up one of your Progress Checks at Two today, would it give you a clear picture of that individual child? The Progress Check at Two should be much more than a document that gets completed because the EYFS requires it. It should help you understand the child, recognise their strengths, identify where they may need additional support and, most importantly, decide what needs to happen next. In this episode of Get Inspection Ready, we look at what should be included across the three prime areas, how to make your assessments genuinely individual, the importance of meaningful parent input, and what an inspector may be looking for beyond simply seeing a completed document. Within this episode, you will... 🎧 Understand what needs to be included in a Progress Check at Two 🎧 Recognise when a child's progress may need further support or investigation 🎧 Make sure your assessment leads to meaningful action and positive impact for the child Play the episode today and make sure your next Progress Checks at Two are purposeful, individual and genuinely useful for supporting children's development.

255 - Information Sharing Is Changing: What Early Years Needs to Know 21.09.2026 13m

Are you still waiting for a safeguarding concern to reach a certain "threshold" before you share information? From 30 September 2026, a new statutory information-sharing duty comes into effect, and it brings an important message for everyone working in early years: you don't have to wait for a situation to become serious before relevant information can be shared. But what does this actually mean for DSLs, managers and practitioners? This episode explores the changes and tackles some of the questions that can make information-sharing feel complicated — including parental consent, GDPR, low-level concerns and information about other people connected to a child. Within this episode, you will learn... Why you don't need to wait for a safeguarding threshold to be met before sharing relevant information How consent and GDPR fit into lawful safeguarding information-sharing What you should record when making a decision to share, or not to share, information Press play now to understand the new duty and make sure your safeguarding practice is ready for 30 September 2026. Find out more about Impact Early Years, www.impactearlyyears.com

254 - The Day After: Success Is Who You Build It With 14.09.2026 11m

Who are the people beside you when everything gets busy, messy and overwhelming? In Early Years, we spend so much time looking after everyone else, leading teams, solving problems and keeping a hundred plates spinning that it's easy to forget how important our people are. But the right tribe can make all the difference. They're the people who share your values, challenge you, support you, make you laugh when things go wrong and give you the space to be completely yourself. In this emotional episode of the Get Inspection Ready Podcast, Vanessa reflects on EPOP, the people who made it possible, and the powerful reminder that success isn't just about what you build; it's about who you build it with. In this episode, we want you to... 🎧 Reflect on what your own professional tribe means to you 🤝 Recognise the people who support, challenge and champion you 💜 Discover why belonging and connection matter so much in a demanding sector Press play and take a few minutes to reflect on the people beside you; you might just realise how much they mean to you.

253 - Eat That Frog! 07.09.2026 23m

Are you spending your day getting things done… but still avoiding the one thing that really needs doing? As an Early Years leader, your to-do list can feel endless. Emails, admin, staff, deadlines, inspections and the unexpected things that land on your desk can quickly fill your day, leaving the biggest, most important tasks pushed further down the list. In this episode, Vanessa and Lou explore the idea of "eating the frog", tackling your biggest or most dreaded task first, rather than hiding behind the quick wins that make you feel productive. They chat honestly about procrastination, prioritising, delegation, eliminating unnecessary tasks and finding practical ways to manage your time more effectively, including the ABCDE Method: Must Do, Should Do, Nice to Do, Delegate and Eliminate. By listening, you'll discover how to: Identify the task you're most likely to put off and finally get it done. Separate genuinely important tasks from the things that simply feel urgent. Create a more manageable approach to your workload so you can free up time and mental space. Press play now and discover a simple way to tackle your biggest task first, reduce the mental load and take back control of your to-do list. For more resources, visit www.jigsawearlyyearsconsultancy.com

252 - Beyond the SENCo Folder: Is Inclusion Really Happening? 01.09.2026 12m

Are you confident you could evidence the graduated approach for every child who needs additional support? The graduated approach - assess, plan, do, review - should be a continuous cycle that helps you understand a child's needs, respond effectively and adapt support when something isn't working. But in busy early years settings, it can easily become a SENCo document rather than something that is visible in everyday practice. This episode explores what the graduated approach should actually look like in practice, from identifying concerns and involving parents to ensuring practitioners know what support is being provided and leaders have clear oversight of its impact. By listening, you'll learn how to: Identify whether your graduated approach is genuinely working as a continuous cycle rather than simply being paperwork. Strengthen your assess, plan, do and review process with clear outcomes, strategies, responsibilities and review points. Recognise the evidence that demonstrates strong inclusive practice, practitioner accountability and effective leadership oversight. Press play now and discover how to turn your graduated approach from a folder of paperwork into a responsive cycle that makes a real difference for children. Find out more about Impact Early Years at www.impactearlyyears.com

251 - You've Read the Changes… But Have You Implemented Them? 24.08.2026 22m

Are you ready for the September 2026 changes to the EYFS, Ofsted inspection toolkit and safeguarding guidance — or are you still trying to work out where to start? With so many changes coming into effect, simply downloading the new guidance isn't enough. The real challenge is understanding what has changed, what it means for your setting, and what your practitioners and leaders need to actually do differently in everyday practice. This episode cuts through the guidance and focuses on implementation, helping you turn the September changes into meaningful action rather than another pile of documents to read. By listening to this episode, you'll gain: A clearer understanding of the key EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted changes coming into effect from September 2026. Practical questions to help you review recruitment, DBS checks, suitability, safer sleep, screen use, qualifications and everyday safeguarding practice. A better understanding of what Ofsted will be looking for in your implementation, and how strong leadership oversight can make the difference. Press play now and spend the next few minutes getting clear on the September changes so you can start making the right changes in your setting with confidence.

250 - Exceptional Practice: What Are Inspectors Really Seeing? 17.08.2026 11m

What does "exceptional" really look like in an early years setting, and what are inspectors actually seeing when they use words like remarkable, thriving, inspirational, and exceptional? It's easy to read an outstanding or exceptional inspection report and wonder what that setting is doing differently. But exceptional practice isn't about having magical children, unlimited budgets, or impressive activities. It's about the impact of what happens every day. This episode explores how exceptional settings create curious, confident, resilient children through meaningful learning, rich conversations, purposeful interactions, authentic projects and leadership decisions that put children's needs first. Within this episode, you will... Understand what inspectors are really looking for when they describe practice as exceptional. Discover how everyday interactions, projects and opportunities to think can create deeper learning and greater independence. Learn how leadership, inclusion, staff development and a strong culture can transform children's experiences and outcomes. Play this episode now and discover how small, everyday decisions can transform your practice and help create the kind of impact inspectors describe as exceptional. For more resources, please visit www.jigsawearlyyearsconsultancy.com

249 - Are You Leading... or Just Firefighting? 10.08.2026 9m

Are you leading your setting, or are you spending every day firefighting? If your days are filled with solving urgent problems, constantly being interrupted, and never getting to the work that really improves quality, you're not alone. But when firefighting becomes the norm, it can stop you from leading effectively and leave your setting less prepared for inspection. This episode explores how to break that cycle and focus on the leadership behaviours that make the biggest difference. Within this episode, you will... Discover how to recognise when constant firefighting is preventing effective leadership. Learn what inspectors really notice about strong leadership beyond a busy schedule. Gain practical questions and strategies to help you create a calmer, more proactive culture in your setting. Press play now to discover how shifting from reactive management to confident leadership can strengthen your setting before your next inspection. Join our Leaders Lounge, https://jigsawearlyyearstraining.com/the-leaders-lounge/ Join our Inspection Hub, https://www.jigsawearlyyearsconsultancy.com/the-inspection-hub-membership/

248 - How AI Has Changed the Risks of Sharing Children's Images 03.08.2026 9m

Are the photos you share of children online putting them at risk in ways you haven't even considered? Most early years settings share children's photographs with the best intentions, but advances in AI and the way images can now be copied, manipulated, and misused mean it's time to rethink whether your current approach is still the safest one. This episode encourages you to reflect on your social media and website practices through a safeguarding lens. Within this episode, you will... Understand how AI has changed the risks associated with sharing children's photographs online. Learn why parental consent alone may no longer be enough when making decisions about using children's images. Discover practical ways to celebrate children's learning and promote your setting without showing identifiable faces. Press play now to gain a fresh safeguarding perspective that could help you better protect the children in your care while still showcasing the amazing work happening in your setting. For more resources, please visit www.jigsawearlyyearsconsultancy.com

247 - Mastering the Art of Managing Big Feelings 27.07.2026 19m

Are your behaviour strategies helping children thrive, or are they unintentionally creating more confusion? Managing behaviour has become one of the biggest challenges in Early Years, with many practitioners unsure how to balance clear boundaries with a nurturing approach. In this episode, Vanessa is joined by behaviour specialist Sarah Emerson to unpack why behaviour can feel more challenging than ever, how consistent expectations build security, and why saying "no" isn't something to fear when it's done with kindness and purpose. Listeners will discover: Why clear, consistent boundaries help children feel safer and more emotionally regulated. Practical ways to teach self-regulation and behaviour skills through play rather than punishment. How to create a consistent team approach that supports every child while remaining flexible to individual needs. Press play now to discover practical, compassionate behaviour strategies that you can start using immediately to create calmer, more confident Early Years environments. Childhood Understood, https://childhoodunderstood.com/

246 - Rethinking Lunchtime: A Better Way to Support Children's Independence 20.07.2026 23m

Could your lunchtime routine be disrupting children's play, independence, and learning without you even realising it? Many Early Years settings stick with traditional lunchtime routines because they've always worked that way. But what if a simple change could reduce transitions, increase children's independence, keep play flowing, and create a calmer, more purposeful environment? In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Megan from Little Nest Childcare, who shares how they transformed their lunchtime routine by introducing a rolling lunch, and why they would never go back. Within this episode, you will... Learn how to introduce a rolling lunch successfully, even if your team is unsure about making the change. Discover practical strategies that help children become more independent while reducing unnecessary waiting and interruptions. Hear honest reflections, lessons learned, and simple tips that made the transition successful before inspection. Press play now to hear a real-life success story packed with practical ideas you can adapt in your own setting before your next inspection. For more resources,

245 - Ofsted Already Know Your Community, Do You? 13.07.2026 13m

Have you looked at the same community data your inspector will already know before they walk through your door? Many settings work hard to create meaningful provision for children but miss a crucial piece of the puzzle: understanding the local data that shapes children's experiences before they even arrive at your setting. This episode explores how the free Explore an Area tool can help you better understand your families, strengthen your curriculum intent, and demonstrate to inspectors that your provision is genuinely rooted in your community. By listening, you'll discover: What information inspectors can access about your community before an inspection even begins. How local data on deprivation, oral health, obesity, SEND and demographics can influence inspection conversations. Practical ways to use this information to shape your curriculum, family support and inspection discussions. Press play now and discover the free tool that could completely change how confidently you talk about your community during inspection. Find out more about your Local Area, https://explore.ofsted.gov.uk

244 - Why Leadership Keeps Coming Up In Every Single Report 06.07.2026 14m

How confident are you that you could clearly explain to an inspector how you monitor the quality of practice across your setting? Many leaders and managers know where strengths and weaknesses exist within their teams, but inspections often reveal a gap between noticing concerns and demonstrating how they are being addressed. If you're striving to strengthen leadership, improve staff practice, and confidently evidence the impact of your actions, this episode explores why leadership is becoming such a significant theme in inspection reports and what you can do about it. By listening to this episode, you will: Understand why leadership and monitoring are frequently highlighted in inspection reports. Learn the difference between noticing practice and evidencing effective leadership actions. Gain three practical steps you can implement immediately to strengthen staff development and inspection readiness. Press play now to discover simple, realistic leadership strategies that can help you build stronger practice, demonstrate impact, and feel more confident when inspection day arrives. Join the Impact Early Years platform, www.impactearlyyears.com

243 - CCTV in Early Years: Are We Solving the Right Problem? 29.06.2026 12m

Would mandatory CCTV make children safer in your setting, or could it distract from the real safeguarding priorities? With CCTV in early years settings now being discussed at a national level, many leaders are wondering what this could mean for their provision. Whether you're concerned about safeguarding, staff wellbeing, parental expectations, GDPR, or future compliance requirements, this episode explores the complex questions behind one of the sector's most talked-about debates and helps you consider what changes may be on the horizon. By listening to this episode, you will: Understand why CCTV in early years settings has become a national safeguarding discussion and what is currently being considered. Explore the key arguments both for and against mandatory CCTV, including the potential benefits and challenges for providers, practitioners, and families. Gain practical insight into what leaders should be thinking about now, including culture, policies, data protection, and safeguarding readiness. Press play now to gain a balanced understanding of the CCTV debate and ensure you're prepared for any future changes that could impact your setting.

242 - What's Changing in September 2026: And What It Means for You 22.06.2026 10m

Are you prepared for the inspection changes coming in September 2026 that could turn a welfare concern into a safeguarding issue? With updated inspection materials now published, many early years leaders are trying to understand exactly what inspectors will be looking for and how these changes could affect their setting. From safer sleep practices to safer food and weaning requirements, there are important updates that need attention now, not just when September arrives. Understanding these expectations early gives you time to review practice, train your team, and feel confident that you're fully prepared. By listening to this episode, you will: Gain a clear understanding of the key inspection changes being introduced from September 2026. Learn how safer sleep, safer food, and weaning practices will be assessed during inspections. Discover why children's welfare and wellbeing concerns can now directly impact safeguarding judgments and what this means for your setting. Play this episode today and give yourself the advantage of understanding the new expectations well before they become part of every inspection conversation. Join, www.impactearlyyears.com

241 - Safer Sleep Has Changed: Are You Ready Now? 15.06.2026 11m

Would your current sleep practices stand up to an inspection tomorrow, or are you assuming you've got until September to make changes? With safer sleep requirements becoming a major focus across the sector, many providers are still working with outdated practices or waiting for the formal EYFS update before taking action. This episode explains why waiting could leave your setting exposed and what you need to do now to stay compliant, protect children, and feel inspection-ready. After listening to this episode, you will: • Understand exactly what the updated safer sleep expectations mean in practice and why they apply now, not later. • Learn the specific changes needed for sleep environments, policies, and daily routines to reduce risk and strengthen compliance. • Feel confident about what inspectors are already looking for and how to evidence safer sleep practices effectively. Press play now to walk away with a practical safer sleep checklist you can start actioning immediately to strengthen compliance before inspectors come knocking. Join www.impactearlyyears.com