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

218 - Belonging Begins with Courage

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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217 - The Courage to Change: Behind the Scenes of Our Bravest Year Yet

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does a full year of choosing courage actually look like behind the scenes? In this episode, we reflect honestly on the risks we took, the fears ...

216 - Supporting Every Child's Voice, The Importance of The Environment

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How confident are you that your early years environment is truly supporting children's speech and language development, especially for those who commu...

215 - The New Planning Call: What's Changing, What Matters, and How to Shine!

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you fully prepared for what really happens during the new Ofsted planning call? With the inspection framework shifting towards a more collaborativ...

214 - Teamwork To Make The Dream Work

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like miscommunication or a lack of teamwork is holding your nursery team back from being at its best? In busy Early Years settings, w...

213 - Belonging for All: How to Bring Inclusion to Life in Your Nursery

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you sure every child in your setting truly feels like they belong, or could some be getting unintentionally overlooked? With inclusion now formi...

212 - 9 Years Strong & Inspection Ready!

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to celebrate Jigsaw's 9th birthday and discover the brand-new Get Inspection Ready book that's set to transform how you approach inspect...

211 - The Difference Between Safeguarding and Children's Welfare and Wellbeing

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you confident your team truly understands the difference between safeguarding and children's welfare and wellbeing, or could confusion be putting ...

210 - Save Time, Stay Compliant: The Power of Impact Early Years

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you spending hours rifling through paperwork and still feeling unprepared for inspections in your early years setting? In this episode, we dive in...

209 - How Your Environment Shapes Children's Voices

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how the very layout, lighting, and feel of your nursery could directly influence children's speech and language development? Wi...

208 - In The New Framework: Safeguarding

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the new Early Years inspection framework changing how safeguarding is judged, shifting to a simple 'met' or 'not met' outcome, it's never been mo...

207 - In The New Framework: Parental and Community Engagement

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you confident that your parental and community engagement would stand up to Ofsted's scrutiny? Many settings believe they're doing "enough" to inv...

206 - In The New Framework: Inclusion

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you confident inspectors will see inclusion as a lived reality in your setting—or will it only exist in your policies? In the November 2025 fram...

205 - In The New Framework: Welfare and Wellbeing

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you confident your setting is meeting Ofsted's expectations for children's welfare and wellbeing—or could hidden gaps be putting you at risk? Th...

204 - In The New Framework: Behaviour, Attitudes & Routines

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are your children's daily routines helping them thrive, or quietly holding them back? In early years settings, the way you shape behaviour, attitudes,...

203 - In The New Proposed Framework: Achievement and Progress

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How confident are you that you could clearly explain every child's progress without checking their file first? When Ofsted visits, they're not just lo...

202 - In The New Proposed Framework: Curriculum and Teaching

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you confident that every member of your team could explain your curriculum and teaching approach without sounding scripted? In inspections, it's n...

201 - In The New Proposed Framework: Leadership and Management

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you confident your leadership and management practices would shine under Ofsted's upcoming framework changes? With inspections evolving and leader...

200 - From Why To WOW: Co-Research in Practice

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time you truly learned something new with a child rather than teaching it to them? Many early years practitioners unintentionally s...

199 - The Neuroscience of Movement and Music in Early Years

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know how music can rewire a child's brain for learning, and why your setting might be missing out? In this episode, we explore how daily music-...

198 - How This Police Commissioner Is Trying To Give Early Years a Voice in Domestic Abuse Reporting

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what truly lies behind the behaviours of children in your setting, and how much of it could stem from trauma they've already ex...

197 - Understanding Vulnerable Children: The 4 Key Factors in Early Years

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you really know who the vulnerable children are in your setting, or could some be hiding in plain sight? In today's Early Years landscape, vulnerab...

196 - Which 100 Acre Woods Colleague Are You?

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Ofsted calls, do you become a bouncing Tigger, a panicked Piglet, or a calming Pooh Bear? We all react differently under pressure, but how you p...

195 - Supervisions That Stick: Making Every Minute Matter

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are your staff supervisions getting squeezed out of the schedule, rushed, overlooked, or treated like a tick-box exercise? In a sector where time is t...

194 - Stop Reacting, Start Leading: How to Build a Proactive Setting

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you constantly firefighting in your setting instead of confidently leading with intention? If your days are filled with reacting to problems inste...

193 - Safeguarding Skills - Easy Ways To Remember Key Information in Early Years!

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do your team members ever freeze when asked safeguarding questions during inspections, even though they know the answer? In the heat of an Ofsted ins...

192 - The Launch of Impact Early Years

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if you could ditch your filing cabinet, reclaim 20% of your time, and still stay completely compliant? If you're drowning in paperwork, juggling ...

191 - How to Save Hours Each Week By Streamlining Early Years Compliance!

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How much time do you waste each week rummaging through filing cabinets trying to find that one crucial document when an inspector walks through the do...

190 - How To Finally Ditch Paperwork And Streamline Your Early Years Setting!

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wished all your compliance, safeguarding, and staffing systems could live in one simple place? If you're juggling multiple platforms or ...

189 - Exploring Early Childhood: Enhancing Speech and Language Through Environment

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes an environment truly powerful for supporting children's speech and language development? And how can research help shape what we do in earl...

188 - How to Prepare Your Early Years Team for Ofsted & Keep Morale High

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How would you feel if an Ofsted inspector walked into your nursery tomorrow? The thought of an inspection can send nerves skyrocketing, but what if yo...

187 - Why Overprotecting Children in Early Years Is a Bigger Risk Than You Think

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are we protecting children too much? What if avoiding risks in early years education is holding them back? In today's episode, we dive into the growin...

186 - What Happened When Ofsted Visited And Why It Was Surprisingly Positive

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your next Ofsted inspection was actually a positive experience? Many Early Years providers dread that unexpected Ofsted call, worrying about ...

185 - From Exhausted to Empowered: How Early Years Leaders Can Step Back Without Losing Control

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know a manager who's always the first to arrive and the last to leave, pushing through exhaustion even when they need a break? Many managers in...

184 - Beyond School Readiness: Developing the Whole Child for Lifelong Success

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you still caught up in the myth of "school readiness" and wondering if you're focusing on the right things for your young learners? If you've ever...

183 - The Secret to Inspection Success: Understanding the EYFS

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time you actually read the EYFS statutory framework rather than just filing it away? Many early years professionals treat the EYFS a...

182 - From Making Do To Making Noise: How Providers Are Taking Government To Court Over Funding

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you tired of jumping through endless hoops just to keep your early years setting afloat? The ever-changing funding rules and inconsistent local au...

181 - Enough is Enough, It Is Time To Speak Up!

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are private and voluntary nurseries being sidelined by the government's push for school-based early years education? If you're an early years provider...

180 - Real Questions From Early Years Professionals And The Answers You Need!

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have any burning questions about early years settings, inspections, or quality improvement? You're not alone—let's get them answered! In this...

179 - A Clear Strategy To Achieving Early Years Excellence

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling burnt out by endless paperwork and shifting policies in your early years setting? It's easy to get lost in the daily grind and forget ...

178 - Encouraging Independence, Why Jobs Are Good For Children!

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should young children be given real responsibilities like setting the table or sweeping the floor? Some say it's too much, but what if it's exactly wh...

177 - Have Your Say! The New Early Years Framework

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know Ofsted is proposing a major change to Early Years inspections, one that could completely reshape how your setting is assessed? The new Ea...

176 - Answering Your Burning Early Years Questions!

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered what inspectors really look for the moment they walk into your setting? Or if Ofsted might be changing their inspection cycle? You're no...

175 - The Key To Supporting A Child's Sense of Belonging!

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you ensure every child in your setting feels truly seen and valued? In today's episode, we dive into the heart of early years practice by explo...

174 - Key Points From Ofsted Reports: Common Issues!

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How confident are you that your early years setting is truly inspection-ready while also maintaining the highest standards for children's safety and w...

173 - Why Your Story Matters, How To Showcase Your IMPACT!

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to confidently showcase your setting's story to inspectors and celebrate every child's unique journey? Whether you're preparing for an i...

172 - Understanding Your Inner Child, The Key to Empowering Early Years Educators

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt like you're wearing a mask of confidence while struggling with self-doubt underneath? This episode dives into the hidden struggles ...

171 - From Chaos to Calm: Transforming Your Early Years Environment

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How can the environment in your early years setting impact the well-being of children, staff, and even inspectors? In today's high-pressure educationa...

170 - Is Circle Time Holding Back Your Early Years Practice?

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is circle time helping your children or just holding them in place? Are you stuck doing it because "it's always been done"? Many early years settings ...

169 - Why SEN Challenges Are Overwhelming Early Years Providers!

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why are so many nurseries hesitant to support children with SEND, and what can be done to ensure inclusivity for every child? For Early Years professi...

168 - The ABCs of Early Years Inspections

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you overwhelmed by the inspection process and wish there was a simple way to confidently navigate it? Inspections can be stressful, and many pract...

167 - Why Reflection Is Key For Jigsaw Early Years!

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how a consultancy team reflects, adapts, and thrives to deliver the best for early years professionals? In this episode, the Ji...

166 - Ensuring Best Practice When Working with Under 2's in Early Years!

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What if the smallest change in your setting's baby care approach could dramatically enhance safety and boost parent trust? With the rise in funded pla...

165 - Are Ofsted's Proposed Changes Setting Nurseries Up for Success or Stress?

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How would removing single-word judgments from Ofsted reports change the way nurseries approach quality and leadership? If you've ever felt frustrated ...

164 - How to Reconnect With Nursery/Preschool Families Without Overloading Staff or Parents!

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How can you rebuild stronger relationships with parents after the disruptions caused by the pandemic? In this episode, you'll discover why parental pa...

163 - Why You Need A Reggio-Inspired Approach To Empower Children's Learning in Your Early Years Setting!

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what it takes to not only start but thrive as an award-winning nursery, even in the face of unexpected challenges? In this epis...

162 - How Atelier Nursery Has Built Strong Family Bonds By Breaking Traditional Room Barriers!

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What if your nursery setup could seamlessly foster independence, confidence, and genuine connection among children of all ages? In this episode, we de...

161 - Why Fostering Independence in Early Years Is Crucial for Child Development!

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Does your setting foster independence for children of all ages, and does your team know how to showcase this during an inspection? In this episode, di...

160 - A Smooth Ride To Success in Early Years Inspections

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Does the thought of your next early year's inspection send shivers down your spine? You're not alone! In this episode, we dive into why inspections ca...

159 - How New Safeguarding Reforms Will Impact Your Early Years Setting!

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you prepared for the upcoming safeguarding reforms that will reshape how early years settings manage safety and compliance? In this episode, we br...

158 - 10 Top Tips to Help you Shine on your Inspection

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you looking for 10 simple top tips to help you prepare for your inspection? Many settings struggle to stand out during inspections, unsure how to ...

157 - How Effective Documentation Can Transform Ofsted Inspections!

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are your compliance documents ready to impress your inspector and showcase your organizational skills? Preparing your documents effectively can be the...

156 - How to be Fully Prepared for your Ofsted Inspection in Nurseries, Preschools and Childminders Just From the Call

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you confident you're fully prepared for your next inspection day, or could your readiness use a boost? Staying organised and reducing stress befor...

155 - How Loose Parts and Simple Risk Assessments Led To A More Engaged Learning Environment

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how the toys and materials in your setting could spark creativity, boost critical thinking, and transform your learning environ...

154 - How The End of Ofsted's One-Word Judgements Could Impact Early Years Providers!

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How will the scrapping of one-word Ofsted judgements impact early years settings, and educational providers like yours? If you're feeling the pressure...

153 - Secrets to Achieving Amazing Ofsted Results by Closing Gaps in Early Years Learning

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you confident that your current methods for tracking children's progress are truly closing learning gaps? In today's fast-paced educational enviro...

152 - Why Understanding Room Intents Is Crucial for Your Early Years Setting!

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is your early years setting designed to truly support children's independence and development? As the new term begins, it's essential to ensure your c...

151 - Embedding British Values in Early Years: A Guide for Preschools, Nurseries and Ofsted Success

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how British values like democracy and mutual respect can be naturally woven into your daily teaching practices, without relying...

150 - Why Leadership Development Is Crucial for Preschool and Nursery Managers Seeking Ofsted Excellence

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to balance leadership and management in your early years setting? This podcast episode addresses the challenge many leaders face in...

149 - Early Years Insights: Finding Quality Apprenticeship Providers for Nurseries and Preschools

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you confident your apprentices are receiving the best training possible, or could your provider be falling short? With many apprenticeship provide...

148 - Top Tips for Selling Your Nursery or Preschool - Due Diligence and Planning in Early Years

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to sell your childcare business successfully? In today's challenging landscape, many nursery owners are fe...

147 - What Does 'Outstanding' Look Like in Early Years Preschools and Nurseries?

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How can your nursery or preschool work towards achieving an outstanding rating in its next Ofsted inspection? Many early years nurseries and preschool...

146 - Top Tips on Creating a Positive Culture in your Early Years Nurseries and Preschools

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how to transform the culture of your early years setting into a positive and thriving environment? In today's challenging lands...

145 - How the Wheel of Practice Transforms Supervisions for Early Years Nurseries and Preschools

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are your staff supervisions just a tick-box exercise, or are they truly driving improvement in your early years setting? Many managers struggle with m...

144 - Why Leadership Is Impacting Your Preschool or Nursery: 3 Ways To Keep Your Early Years Team Motivated

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to manage your early years setting effectively while keeping your team motivated and engaged? This episode dives into the essential...

143 - Implementing Peer Observations in Preschools and Nurseries: A Step-by-Step Guide for Early Years Managers

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you leveraging the full potential of peer observations to enhance your early years setting? If you're an early years manager, you're likely strivi...

142 - What Are Your Views on the Political Manifestos for Early Years and How They Affect Your Nursery or Preschool?

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how your vote could shape the future of early childhood education? In this episode, we dive into the promises of major politica...

141 - What Are Your Thoughts on Ofsted Reducing the Early Years Inspection Cycle for Preschools, Nurseries and Childminders?

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you curious about the potential changes to Ofsted's inspection cycle and how they could affect your early years setting? In this episode, we tackl...

140 - Unlocking the Curious Mind in Early Years: Strategies for Engaging Two-Year-Olds

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're diving into why the curiosity of two-year-olds is actually their superpower and how understanding it can make a huge difference...

139 - What We Need To Do To Prepare our Preschools and Nurseries for Ofsted!

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

138 - The IMPACT of Cultural Capital in Early Years Education!

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why some children struggle with basic tasks like climbing stairs or peeling a satsuma, while others excel effortlessly? In toda...

137 - Why The Inspection Process Feels Overwhelming & How To Take Control

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of your next Ofsted inspection? Every early years provider is on a unique inspection journey—whether ...

136 - Why Early Years Educators Need Consistent Strategies To Manage Children's Big Feelings in Their Nursery/Preschool

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why some children struggle with emotional regulation while others seem to handle their feelings with ease? In today's fast-pace...

135 - Early Years Insights for Ofsted Excellence: Preparing Your Nursery/Preschool

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you prepared for your next Ofsted inspection? Do you know exactly what inspectors are looking for in your setting? In today's fast-paced education...

134 - How Collaboration Can Add More Positive Male Role Models in Early Years

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why are so few men working in early years settings—and how can we change that? The early years sector is facing staffing shortages, and the lack of ...

133 - Enhancing Learning through Display Boards in Early Years Nurseries and Preschools

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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'...

132 - Why Scripted Learning Walks Won't Help You Impress Ofsted Inspectors & What To Do Instead

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to master the perfect learning walk and showcase your setting like a pro? If you're an early years practitioner, you know how nerve-wrac...

131 - Does Your Activity Planning Lack Intent? Here's How To Fix It NOW!

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are your activities helping children truly learn and grow, or are they just tick-box exercises for your inspection? If you're preparing for an inspect...

130 - Early Years Is Not A Job, It's A Lifestyle!

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

129 - Why Identifying Love Languages Is Crucial in Early Years and How It Can Transform Your Preschool or Nursery!

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that understanding your team's love languages could be the key to boosting morale and productivity at work? In today's episode, we explor...

128 - Why The Right Mindset Is Key to Getting Ready for Your Ofsted Inspection!

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What would you do if an Ofsted inspection was announced tomorrow? Would your team be ready to shine? In this episode, we dive into the story of Munchk...

127 - Inadequate to Improved: How Early Years Preschools, and Nurseries Can Conquer Ofsted!

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you recently faced the stress of an inadequate Ofsted inspection, leaving you overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps? This episode dives into ...

126 - Mastering Ofsted Inspections: A Success Story From an Early Years Setting!

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how to truly prepare your preschool for an inspection and ensure the best outcomes? In this episode, we explore the jo...

125 - Transforming 'Requires Improvement' in Early Years Settings

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever received a grade you weren't expecting during an inspection? What if you knew exactly how to turn a Requires Improvement into a success ...

124 - Achieving Outstanding: A Nurseries' Insider Tips for Successful Ofsted Early Years Inspections

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how to ensure your nursery aces the next Ofsted inspection with flying colors? With increasing scrutiny on early years educati...

123 - How To Think Outside The Box: Maintaining Excellence

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you confident your setting is consistently outstanding—or are you just hoping it will be on inspection day? Striving for an outstanding grade is...

122 - Early Years Impact Training Hub Membership

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

121 - How One Early Years Setting Transformed Its Ofsted Readiness in Just 3 Weeks

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How would you feel if an Ofsted inspection was suddenly scheduled for your setting—would you be fully prepared or scrambling to make last-minute imp...

120 - From Nervous Newcomer to Confident Apprentice: Tips for Thriving During Early Years Inspections

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to help your apprentices excel during inspections? Discover what inspectors are really looking for and how to prepare apprentices effect...

119 - From Nervous to Prepared: How a Nursery Transformed Its Ofsted Inspection Experience

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered if your nursery is truly prepared for its next Ofsted inspection, or if there might be gaps you've overlooked? In today's fast-...