As with many of my colleagues in the early years sector, I’ve spent a lot of time recently reviewing the new Early Years Inspection Toolkit and reflecting on what the future of inspection may look and feel like in practice.
Having seen an early draft of the framework before leaving Ofsted, I was fortunate to contribute feedback and consider how the model might translate into real-world inspection. But, as we all know, it’s only when something is fully in motion that we truly see how it lands for everyone.
One of my early reflections is this: the model has, to my knowledge, largely been piloted in settings already performing well. I’m particularly interested to see how it plays out where leaders feel less confident, where inspections prompt anxiety, or where settings are facing more complex challenges. We know that it’s in these moments that the sector needs inspection to feel supportive, fair and developmental — not overwhelming.
At the heart of it, we all want the same outcome: ✨ children receiving the highest quality care and achieving the best possible start in life.
I wholeheartedly welcome an approach rooted in collaboration. My hope is that this framework encourages more professional dialogue, reduces fear, and strengthens partnership working between settings and inspectors. When inspection moves away from compliance alone and towards meaningful discussion, everyone benefits — especially children.
For settings feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or simply wanting to feel more prepared and confident — you are not alone. Supporting early years leaders to feel inspection-ready in a way that is calm, clear and authentic is exactly why I founded Circle Training & Support. Compliance, quality improvement, and confidence can go hand in hand.
If this new framework raises questions for you, or you’d simply like a space to talk things through, my inbox is always open.
The sector is stronger when we share, support and learn from one another ❤️
🔗 https://www.circletrainingandsupport.co.uk/
#EarlyYears #Childcare #EYFS #Ofsted #EarlyYearsLeadership #InspectionReadiness #QualityImprovement #PartnershipWorking
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