Are you ready for your inspection?
156 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago -Welcome to 'Are You Ready For Your Inspection,' your go-to podcast dedicated to the world of Early Years education. Whether you're a Practitioner, Manager, or Owner in the early childhood education sector, inspections are a crucial aspect of your journey. In this podcast, we will provide essential insights to help you navigate the complexities of ensuring your establishment is compliant and ready for the significant day!
These inspections go beyond regulatory standards; they shape a nurturing environment that lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Tune in as we uncover the fundamental principles of excellence in Early Years education, guiding you towards a thriving and compliant educational setting.
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Episodes
133 - This Is Ingrained Into My Head!
April 22, 2024 06:00 - 14 minutes - 19.3 MBToday, 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 effec...
132 - Shine Walk Shine!
April 15, 2024 06:00 - 15 minutes - 21.7 MBToday 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 ...
131 - Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!
April 08, 2024 06:00 - 13 minutes - 18.1 MBFor 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 lea...
130 - 'It's Not A Job, It's A Lifestyle!'
April 02, 2024 06:00 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MBIn 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 s...
129 - 'Thought I Was Off My Rocker!'
March 25, 2024 06:00 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBIn 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 ...
128 - It's Always The Way!
March 18, 2024 06:00 - 19 minutes - 27.2 MBToday, 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. - Thei...
127 - #JustSaying Negative Impact!
March 11, 2024 06:00 - 17 minutes - 24.5 MBWe 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! Withi...
126 - 'Starting From The Telephone Call'
March 04, 2024 06:00 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MBIn 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 e...
126 - 'Starting From The Telephone Call!'
March 04, 2024 06:00 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MBIn 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 e...
125 - Raise The Game
February 26, 2024 07:00 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBThis 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 ...
125 - Raise The Game!
February 26, 2024 07:00 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBThis 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 ...
124 - "I've Been Waiting For This One!"
February 19, 2024 06:00 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBToday, 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 p...
123 - Think Outside The Box!
February 12, 2024 06:00 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBToday, 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. With...
123 - Think Outside The Box
February 12, 2024 06:00 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBToday, 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. With...
122 - Early Years Impact Training Hub Membership
February 05, 2024 06:00 - 11 minutes - 16 MBTune 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 ...
121 - In Conversation with Nadia Salim
January 29, 2024 07:00 - 13 minutes - 18.9 MBToday 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 te...
120 - In Conversation with Cathy Agozzino
January 22, 2024 07:00 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MBFor 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 apprentic...
119 - In Conversation with Rochelle Smith
January 15, 2024 07:00 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MBToday 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 ...
118 - Welcome to 2024
January 08, 2024 07:00 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MBToday 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. ...
117 - Round up with JigsawEYC Operations Manager
December 18, 2023 07:00 - 13 minutes - 18.4 MBThis 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 resour...
116 - Changes to Level 3
December 11, 2023 07:00 - 12 minutes - 17.2 MBWith 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, https://jigs...
115 - The Importance of a Curriculum with Lorna Wigley
December 04, 2023 06:00 - 15 minutes - 20.9 MBIn 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 childr...
114 - The Meaning of Quality with Lorna Wigley
November 27, 2023 06:00 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MBToday I am joined by the lovely Lorna Wigley from Childbase, this time we are discussing the meaning of the word 'Quality' and how it can impact our roles within Early Years. Within this episode, you will learn about: - What the word 'Quality' can mean for a setting. - The importance of the whole team having a voice. - Why we need to work together to add impact. QIA's, https://www.jigsawearlyyearsconsultancy.com/services/quality-improvement-audits/ For resources to support you on...
113 - In Conversation with Marlis Juerging-Coles
November 20, 2023 06:00 - 28 minutes - 38.7 MBToday, I am joined by Marlis Juerging-Coles who is one of our amazing associate trainers and even led a workshop at EPOP 2023. Today we are discussing best practices when it comes to supporting children with EAL. Within this episode, you will learn about: - The best resources to use to support children with EAL. - How we can encourage communication and language development. - The importance of pronouncing words correctly. Talking Products, https://www.talkingproducts.com/collections/ta...
112 - The World of Safeguarding with Lorna Wigley
November 13, 2023 06:00 - 13 minutes - 18.9 MBToday, I am joined by Lorna Wigley from Childbase as we discuss the importance of Safeguarding and look at apprenticeships. Remember that we need to follow safeguarding legislation for all children, and those under 19 are still considered children in the eyes of the law! Within this episode, you will learn: - How to ensure everyone within the setting is safe - What to be aware of and keep an eye out for. - When you need to take things further and file a report. For resources to suppo...
111 - Changes to EYFS Requirements
November 06, 2023 07:00 - 12 minutes - 17.5 MBWelcome to another episode of "Are You Ready For Your Inspection?" where we unravel the latest advancements in early childhood education. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Department for Education's official response to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework consultation and the imminent changes that are set to take place in January. Within this episode, you will learn about: - The upcoming changes in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework - How the revis...
110 - Building Stronger Parent Partnerships
October 30, 2023 06:00 - 11 minutes - 16.3 MBEarly childhood education isn't just about teachers and classrooms; it's about building a collaborative bridge between educators and parents. Having strong relationships with parents can greatly benefit the learning and development of the children, but it is also vital for the success of Early Years settings., Within this episode, you will learn: - How to establish open communication channels with parents - How to create a welcoming and inclusive environment - How to create opportunitie...
109 - Demystifying Inspection
October 23, 2023 06:00 - 14 minutes - 19.6 MBFor this episode I will be going through some of the questions that I often get asked about Inspections and trying to quell any concerns that you may have. Information regarding inspections changes all the time, so I am hoping that today's podcast will shed some light on the topic. Within this episode, you will learn: - What Inspectors are looking for - How to handle negative feedback - How often you will be inspected The Early Years Inspection Hub, https://www.jigsawearlyyearsconsul...
108 - What Safeguarding Truly Means
October 16, 2023 06:00 - 12 minutes - 16.6 MBSafeguarding is one of the most important aspects of our role in Early Years this is more than just complying with current legislation and guidelines It also includes making sure that the children are in an environment where they feel safe and secure. It is all about protection as a whole with the children at the forefront of this. Within this episode, you will learn about: - The definition of Safeguarding - The importance of a child-centred approach - Why we need to have robust policie...
107 - The Main Purpose of Training in our Sector
October 09, 2023 06:00 - 10 minutes - 15 MBThis week I wanted to talk about something that is very important and that is the main purpose of training in our sector and how it will impact the lives of the children within our care. It is vital that we are always trying to upskill our knowledge so that we can help nurture young minds and give them the best start that we can! Within this episode, you will learn about: - The main purpose of training in Early Years - The benefits of having highly skilled and well-trained staff - The i...
106 - In Conversation with Gemma Lamport
October 02, 2023 06:00 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MBToday I am joined by the lovely Gemma Lamport as we discuss what it is like to manage and support multiple settings and I share some golden nuggets of information as to how I survived being a group manager for 6 different nurseries. Within this episode, you will learn about: - The importance of finding the right staff for your setting - Why we need to take time to develop our time management skills - How to find ways to take time out of your business to work on your business Our Opera...
105 - Importance of Self-Evaluation
September 25, 2023 06:00 - 9 minutes - 13.2 MBSelf-evaluation is a key part of striving for greatness, without reflecting on what we do, it is impossible to improve and be the best that we can be. This is why it is crucial that we ensure self-evaluations are taking place within the setting and that they are effective and add IMPACT. Within this episode, you will learn: - Why self-evaluation is so important. - How you can effectively self-evaluate yourself and your setting. - How to use your findings from your self-evaluation to ach...
104 - The Importance of Baby Training
September 18, 2023 06:00 - 9 minutes - 12.8 MBTraining for under 2's is crucial in Early Years and recently I have been seeing a few settings where the baby rooms have been lacking in direction or focus. This is why it is recommended that those who work with babies, attend specialised training so that they can stimulate their learning. Within this episode, you will learn about - The importance of specialsed baby training - How specialised training on working with babies can benefit your setting. - What the statutory framework says ...
103 - Myths about Ofsted
September 11, 2023 06:00 - 12 minutes - 16.9 MBToday I wanted to take the time to bust some myths surrounding Ofsted, from whether or not we can offer them a cup of tea to whether or not they are able to turn up unannounced. This episode is designed to give you clarity and quell some of those Ofsted fears. Within this episode, I will answer the following questions and lots more... - Does making a complaint against an inspection affect future inspections? - Does Ofsted prefer paper-based or electronic assessments? - Can only managers...
102 - Role of Supervisions
September 04, 2023 06:00 - 14 minutes - 19.3 MBSupervisions play a key role in an Early Years setting, however recently I have been seeing that too many supervisions are just being done as a tick box exercise. We need to be ensuring that these supervisions are SMART and add IMPACT into the setting. Within this episode, you will learn about: - The importance of supervisions within Early Years. - What SMART targets are. - Why we need to set SMART targets for practitioners. Check out our Staff Supervision Journal, https://www.jigsa...
101 - How Quality Improvement Audits can Enhance Your Practice and Add Impact
August 29, 2023 06:00 - 10 minutes - 14.5 MBToday I wanted to take the time to tell you about our Quality Improvement Audits (QIA for short), why we do them and the impact that they can have on your setting. They are designed to help you fine-tune your setting to ensure that children are receiving the best care and education that they can. Within this episode, you will learn about: - How a QIA differs from a 'mock inspection' - The benefits a QIA can have on your practice within the setting - How QIA's can help you to prepare for ...
100 - Who We Are
August 21, 2023 06:00 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MBIt is our 100th Episode! 🥳 For today, I wanted to do a whole team podcast where we introduce ourselves and discuss our roles within JigsawEYC. Believe me, when I say there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than you think! Within this episode, we will be telling you all about: - The team behind JigsawEYC - Everyone's bespoke role within the business - Who to contact when you need support For resources to support you on your Early Years journey, visit, www.jigsawearlyyearsco...
099 - The Anxiety of an Ofsted Inspection
August 14, 2023 06:00 - 11 minutes - 16.4 MBOfsted inspections can be a huge cause for anxiety or stress within the Early Years sector, however, it doesn't have to be this weight. So I hope this short, 12-minute podcast can help you feel prepared for your inspection and make it more of an exciting experience where you can shine instead of the inspection being something to fear. Within this episode, you will learn about: - How to prepare for your inspection to ensure you are feeling confident - How to relieve the stress and anxiety ...
098 - How To Support Children with EAL
August 07, 2023 06:00 - 10 minutes - 14.9 MBRecently on our QIA's, we have been seeing a few children with EAL feeling left out or not having their cultures celebrated. So within this episode, I wanted to take the time to shed some light on the situation and help you to ensure that children with EAL are being supported in an impactful way. Within this episode, you will learn about: - How we can celebrate other cultures within the setting - How we can help children with EAL to feel included and welcome in the setting - The importan...
097 - Do We Need Circle Time?
July 31, 2023 06:00 - 13 minutes - 18 MBCircle time is something that I have seen happen in a lot of settings, and I feel that we need to ensure it is adding IMPACT. We need to think about what the children get from circle time. Is it meeting their needs? Is it listening to their voices? Does it have a purpose? Within this episode, you will learn about: - The downside of circle time. - Why we need to adopt a child-centered approach. - How to change circle time into something more impactful For resources to support you on y...
096 - Agency Staff
July 24, 2023 06:00 - 13 minutes - 18.2 MBJordan Tully and I are back at it as we discuss agency staff in the world of Early Years. A lot of the time when we need agency staff, it is a last-minute thing to ensure that we can meet ratios, but it is still crucial that we ensure all agency staff are aware of how the setting works and why we are doing the activities that are set up for the day. In this episode, you will learn about: - The importance of finding the 'right' agency staff - What we need to inform agency staff of before ...
095 - If We Always Do What We Always Do
July 17, 2023 06:00 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MBToday I am joined by the amazing Jordan Tully as we discuss the topic of 'Always Doing What You Always Do'. The focus of the episode is to look at the concept of doing the same thing again and again but expecting different results. Within this episode, you will learn about: - Why it is important to ensure that your practice is always evolving. - How to ensure each activity has a purpose and adds IMPACT. - The problems that come with Always Doing What You Do. For resources to support ...
094 - Whats The Difference Between a Mock Inspection and a Quality Improvement Audit
July 10, 2023 06:00 - 15 minutes - 28.2 MBIn 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 differ from a Mock Inspection - How a Quality Improvement Audit can benefit you JigsawEY...
093 - The World of Early Years Qualifications with Sophie Hayter - Part 3
July 03, 2023 06:00 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MBWelcome 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 full and relevant in the UK Early Years & Teaching Assistants Training & Qualifications (UK...
092 - The World of Early Years Qualifications with Sophie Hayter - Part 2
June 26, 2023 06:00 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MBWelcome 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 & Teaching Assistants Training & Qualifications (UK) Facebook Page, https://www.facebook....
091 - The World of Early Years Qualifications with Sophie Hayter - Part 1
June 19, 2023 06:00 - 22 minutes - 30.6 MBToday 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 qualifications Early Years & Teaching Assistants Training & Qualifications (UK) Facebook Page, htt...
090 - An Inspection Experience with Wells House Kindergarten
June 12, 2023 06:00 - 16 minutes - 23.1 MBToday I am with the lovely Jenny from Wells House Kindergarten as we discuss her recent experience with Ofsted, how she felt it went and what she would recommend to any settings that are due an inspection! Within this episode, you will learn: - An Ofsted Experience - What they learnt from their inspection - How to prepare for an inspection Education Inspection Framework: https://www.jigsawearlyyearsconsultancy.com/product/education-inspection-framework/ For resources to support you...
089 - Interview with Blackmoor Park Day Nursery - Part 2
June 05, 2023 06:00 - 36 minutes - 49.8 MBToday 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 on what you can do to prepare for the day. For resources to support you on your Early Ye...
088 - Interview with Blackmoor Park Day Nursery Part 1
May 30, 2023 06:00 - 26 minutes - 36.6 MBToday 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 to support you on your Early Years journey, visit, www.jigsawearlyyearsconsultancy.com...
087 - Revisiting The Learning Walk
May 22, 2023 06:00 - 8 minutes - 11.1 MBToday 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 prepare for your Learning Walk For resources to support you on your Early Years journey, visi...