Today we are looking at what we need to do to ensure that we are prepared for Ofsted. Starting from the very beginning, the dreaded call right the way through to reflecting on feedback from your inspection. This short but sweet episode will offer tons of golden nuggets of information to help you shine on the big day and not shy away!   Within this episode, you will learn about: - Preparing For The Telephone Call - Informing Your Staff About The News - Getting Ready To Shine on Your...

Today, I am delighted to welcome Lucy, our Operations Manager, as we delve into the concept of Cultural Capital. In this discussion, we will aim to delve into the significance of Cultural Capital and explore strategies for its integration within your setting.  The idea of Cultural Capital reflects on the varying experiences that children may have growing up and aims to bridge this gap in learning by allowing settings to offer the children experiences that they may not have otherwise. It is...

Today, I wanted to talk about the Inspection Path, this is something we created which takes you through a journey, going through 5 stages which can help you to go from feeling anxious, overwhelmed or frustrated to feeling confident, prepared and ready for your inspection! So, let us take you on an adventure through your Inspection journey to figure out what your next step is and achieve your goal of becoming a reflective and passionate Early Years Educator! Within this episode, you will...

Today we are joined by my good friend, Sarah Emerson, who is the master of all things emotions! We will discuss how we can support children with 'Big Feelings' and explore the impact of Co-Regulation in child development. Join us to gain insights and strategies that you can use to help nurture the emotional literacy of children within your setting. Within this episode, you will learn about: - The importance of both Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation - How To Support Children with Big...

For this episode, I wanted to answer one of the most commonly asked questions by Early Years educators, 'What Are Ofsted Looking For?'. Now this is a bit of a loaded question, but during this podcast, I will delve into some of the hot topics we have seen on our audits and offer advice on how to refine these areas so you are ready to shine on the big day! Within this episode, you will learn about: - Key Things an Inspector Would Be Looking For - How To Ensure Your Curriculum is...

Today, we're joined by Anthony, our Technology Guru, to delve into his journey in Early Years and his perspective on the involvement of men in the sector. The presence of positive male role models in early childhood settings can yield numerous benefits for children. However, finding men in the Early Years field is a rarity. We'll explore strategies for incorporating these role models into settings and have an open dialogue on the reasons behind the lack of Men in the Early Years Sector. ...

Today, I'd like to delve into a topic we haven't explored on this podcast before, Display Boards. These boards can have a huge impact on the children's learning and development, making it essential that we engage them in the process and tailor the displays to their interests. Display boards can be such a helpful tool to use within a setting, providing visual aids to reinforce learning concepts and showcasing the children's work. We must ensure we are getting them right to ensure they...

Today I am joined by our fantastic field team, Emily and Lorraine, as we discuss the learning walk and what we have seen on our audits. We will be offering our tips and tricks on how you can wow your inspector and shine on your learning walk. This is the time to showcase your setting, so make sure that you own it and show the inspector what your setting has got! Within this episode, you will learn about: - Our expert tips on how to shine on your learning walk. - How long a learning walk...

For this episode, we wanted to do something a little different and step away from the inspection side of things and focus on the activities that we prepare for the children. Activities are a huge part of an Early Years setting and we must think outside the box to create engaging and impactful activities. We need to make sure that these activities are having a positive impact on the children and are linked to the learning and development of the children.  Within this episode, you will learn...

In this lively podcast episode, Faye and Sian, co-owners of Polka Dot Farm Nursery in Essex, share their journey of creating a unique vibrant nursery with authenticity and innovation. They emphasise the importance of being true to oneself in business, highlighting that success doesn't necessarily depend on having a massive following but on connecting deeply with your audience. They discuss the power of creating a buzz around their nursery by being authentically themselves and fostering a...

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of the 5 Love Languages in expressing gratitude towards the children and our staff. The concept of Love Languages highlights the various ways individuals give and receive love, and can be a fantastic tool for you to use in your setting. Understanding a child's primary Love Language enables practitioners to effectively communicate appreciation and support, fostering healthy emotional development. On top of this, expressing gratitude in a...

Today, I'm joined by Linsie Dare, Operations Manager, and Libby Houston, Area Manager, from Munchkins Nursery. Together, we'll explore their recent inspection experience, gaining insights into the day's events and valuable tips for upcoming inspections. So join us as we uncover the strategies that have made Munchkins Nursery successful in navigating their Ofsted inspection. Within this episode, you will learn about: - The importance of having a bespoke curriculum for your setting. - Their...

We all know that receiving an Inadequate grade can feel like the end of the world, we get that. But it is important to give yourself 24 hours to process your emotions, snot, cry and moan. Then come back into the setting the next day, with a newfound determination of what you are going to do better.  This episode will give you all of the tips and tricks that you need so that you are prepared to reflect on your setting, make some changes and show Ofsted that you have what it takes!  Within...

In today's podcast episode, I'm joined by two special guests, Amanda and Shaunie, both integral members of the St Mary's Under Fives team. Our focus in this episode centres around Amanda and Shaunie and their experiences regarding the Quality Improvement Audit (QIA) with JigsawEYC. Additionally, we will touch upon the utilisation of talking tins within the setting, exploring how they play a crucial role in supporting children with English as an Additional Language (EAL).  Within this...

This episode is all about settings who get a Requires Improvement grade, as we offer our golden nuggets of information on how you can bounce back, climb the ranks and achieve either a Good or Outstanding. From your curriculum to accident and incident forms, this episode will provide you with all the information you need to start adding IMPACT and show your inspector how great your setting is. Within this episode, you will learn about: - The importance of giving yourself 24 hours - How to...

Today, I have the pleasure of chatting with the delightful Abbie Swann from Scallywags in Chelmsford. We'll be diving into her recent Ofsted Inspection and exploring how she and her team embraced the process and worked together to ensure they were prepared. Abbie ensured that everything was ready for the inspector, allowing her team to naturally showcase their excellence during the inspection. Within this episode, you will learn about: - What they did after getting the call. - How they...

Today, Vanessa will delve into the world of inspections and trying to sustain an Outstanding Grade in Early Years. This task is far from simple, with over a hundred things to consider when coming up to inspection day. We are eager to impart our insights and strategies to help you maintain composure and readiness for your inspection. With an emphasis on innovative thinking to ensure that your setting stands out amongst the crowd, and will wow your inspector when they come to visit. ...

Tune in to this episode as we delve into the heart of our Brand-New Early Years Impact Training Hub Membership. We go into depth about the issues with some online training, where all staff do is click and forget, and talk about our new membership and how we have managed to create affordable training that is engaging, inspiring and impactful! Within this episode, you will learn about: - The Perils of 'Click and Forget' Training - The Importance of Training that Inspires and Adds Impact -...

Today I am joined by the lovely Nadia Salim as she talks about her experience as an Operations Director for Fisherfield Childcare and what led to her contacting JigsawEYC for a Quality Improvement Audit (QIA).  So join us as we talk about what a QIA entails and the impact that it can have on your setting! Within this episode, you will learn about:   - Another setting's experience with inspections - The changes that a QIA can help you to make - How a QIA can prepare and inspire your...

For this week I am joined by the wonderful Cathy Agozzino as she picks my brain around the topic of Early Years Apprentices, how we can support them and what apprentices need to be aware of before an inspection. So join us as we discuss some golden nuggets of information that can help you ensure that apprentices are supported and prepared! Within this episode, you will learn about:   - The types of questions an inspector may ask an apprentice. - How you can help to prepare an apprentice...

Today I am joined by the wonderful Rochelle Smith from the University of Bradford, as we discuss their Early Years journey, pre-inspection anxiety and what they did to ensure that everyone was prepared for their inspection So join us as we discuss their journey and how JigsawEYC has helped them to add impact! Within this episode, you will learn about:   - The importance of taking feedback on board. - How to improve staff confidence. - What a Quality Improvement Audit could do for you ...

Today we have the whole JigsawEYC team together for a welcome-back podcast, where we discuss what everyone has been working towards over 2023 and what they are excited to work on going into 2024, we have lots lined up and want to make 2024 the year of JigsawEYC! So join us today as we discuss...   - The launch of the 4th Edition of the 'Are You Ready For Your Inspection" book! - Our morning 'JigsawEYC Huddle' which motivates us for the day. - All the things we have learned over 2023. ...

This is the last podcast of 2023, where has the time gone? Today I am joined by our amazing Operations Manager, Lucy Brewer, as we take a step back and reflect on the year that has passed. It's always important to take the time to reflect and see how things can be done differently. So join us on our reflective journey of 2023. Within this episode, we will discuss:   - How JigsawEYC Has Grown Over the Last Year - Our Method of Organising Job Roles - The Pros and Cons of 2023 For...

With the proposed changes to the statutory framework coming into effect next month, we wanted to take the time to discuss the changes to the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and the effects this could have on your business. Within this podcast, you will learn about: - The changes to Level 3 Qualifications being proposed - The implications that this could have on your business - What you need to be aware of For more information about Jigsaw Early Years Academy, ...

In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of early years education and the significance of having a well-structured curriculum in your setting. Lorna Wigley, from Childbase, is here to help us as we discuss why the curriculum is important and how it can support children. Within this episode, you will learn about: - The benefits of having a curriculum that is bespoke to your setting.  - Why we need to use the 3 I's to support our curriculum.  - Best practice when supporting...