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

Hosted by Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy

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Episodes

240

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Get Inspection Ready, the podcast created for Early Years professionals, nursery managers, preschool leaders, childcare providers, and anyone who works in the Early Years sector. Whether you're hands-on in the room or managing the whole setting, this show is here to support you. We'll help you transition from feeling unsure, overwhelmed and stressed to being confident, capable, and fully prepared for inspection day. Why tune in? Because working in Early Years is challenging enough without added pressure. Each episode is packed with golden nuggets of information designed to help your setting not just meet expectations, but exceed them. From understanding compliance to improving daily practice, we cover the topics that matter most. You'll learn how to create a rich learning environment that not only supports the children with their development, but will also wow an inspector! Imagine feeling proud, supported, and inspection-ready. With Get Inspection Ready by your side, inspection day becomes an opportunity, not something to dread. So, if you're in a nursery, preschool, or any early years setting, this podcast is your companion on the road to success. Hit play and take one step closer to Early Years excellence.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 202611 min

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

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 With safer sleep requirements becoming a major focus across the sector, many providers are still working with outdated practices or waiting for the formal EYFS update before taking action.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

June 8, 202612 min

240 - The Safeguarding Question That Catches Leaders and Managers Off-Guard

Have you ever been asked about local safeguarding trends during inspection and found yourself unsure where to start? Understanding local safeguarding trends isn't just about being inspection-ready; it's about making sure your safeguarding practice reflects the real challenges children and families in your community face. Many leaders know safeguarding policies inside out, but struggle to confidently explain how local risks influence their practice, training, and decision-making. This episode explores exactly how to bridge that gap and strengthen your safeguarding culture. By listening to this episode, you will: • Learn where to find reliable information about local safeguarding trends and updates in your area • Understand why inspectors ask about local safeguarding themes and what strong answers sound like • Discover practical ways to embed local safeguarding knowledge into staff training, supervisions, self-evaluation, and daily practice Press play now and leave with practical strategies that will help you feel more confident discussing safeguarding trends and demonstrating a stronger safeguarding culture during inspection conversations. Check out www.impactearlyyears.com

June 1, 202612 min

239 - School Readiness Versus Life Readiness and Why We Have Got It Wrong

Are we spending so much time getting children "school ready" that we're forgetting to get them ready for life? Many Early Years professionals feel the pressure of preparing children for school routines, expectations, and academic targets. But in the middle of checklists, phonics, and classroom preparation, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. This episode explores why focusing on emotional resilience, curiosity, confidence, relationships, and self-regulation may be the real foundation children need to thrive, not just in Reception, but throughout their lives. Within this episode, you will... Gain a fresh perspective on the difference between school readiness and life readiness in Early Years practice Discover why play, emotional literacy, and curiosity are essential foundations for long-term success Feel more confident explaining the value of child-led learning and life skills to parents and teams Press play now to explore a thought-provoking conversation that could completely reshape the way you view readiness in your setting and leave you feeling re-energised about the impact of your work. For more resources, visit www.jigsawearlyyearsconsultancy.com

May 26, 202634 min

238 - Empty Your Stress Bucket

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:c6a23070-d104-4176-a49e-faf1257175e6-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:c6a23070-d104-4176-a49e-faf1257175e6-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Are you carrying everyone else's stress at work while your own "stress bucket" is overflowing? If you're constantly switching between managing staff, supporting children, handling parent concerns, and trying to stay inspection-ready, it can feel impossible to properly switch off. In this episode, hypnotherapist Lissy West explains why early years professionals often stay stuck in fight-or-flight mode, and shares simple, realistic ways to calm your brain, reduce overwhelm, and create healthier boundaries around stress. Within this episode, you will... Learn why true rest is essential for reducing cortisol and helping your brain feel safe again. Hear simple techniques to stop overthinking, switch off from work stress, and finally get off the mental "motorway" that keeps your mind racing. Uncover small but powerful habits, including the first seven minutes of your morning, that can dramatically improve stress levels, focus, and sleep quality. Press play now to discover the small mindset shifts and daily habits that could help you feel calmer, sleep better, and regain control of your stress before it spills over. If you are interested in Hypnotherapy or support with emptying your 'Stress Bucket', visit https://mindbalancehypnotherapy.co.uk

May 18, 202614 min

237 - Rekindling Your Fire In Early Years

What if the key to reigniting your team's motivation isn't a new strategy, but a simple conversation about why they started? If your team feels flat, overwhelmed, or stuck in the day-to-day demands of early years, you're not alone. It's easy to lose sight of the passion that brought you into the sector in the first place, but reconnecting with that purpose can transform team morale, strengthen relationships, and bring back the energy your setting needs. Within this episode, you will... Rediscover the personal "why" that fuels you and your team's passion for early years Learn a simple but powerful team activity that builds connection and boosts morale Gain a fresh perspective on celebrating your journey, successes, and shared purpose Press play now to spark meaningful conversations with your team and walk away with a renewed sense of purpose you can feel immediately. For more resources, visit www.jigsawearlyyearsconsultancy.com

May 11, 202616 min

236 - The Leadership Questions You Don't Ask

Are you avoiding a difficult conversation with a team member, hoping it will just resolve itself? In early years leadership, those "awkward" conversations are often the ones that matter most, but they're also the easiest to delay. Whether it's giving constructive feedback, addressing behaviour, or managing team dynamics, avoiding these moments can lead to bigger issues, strained relationships, and a culture where problems quietly grow instead of being resolved. Within this episode, you will... Learn a simple, practical structure to approach difficult conversations with clarity and confidence Understand how to reduce emotion and avoid situations escalating into bigger problems Build the skills to create open, honest communication that strengthens your team Press play now to learn how to handle difficult conversations with confidence and prevent small issues turning into bigger challenges. For more resources, visit www.jigsawearlyyearstraining.com

May 5, 202618 min

235 - Safeguarding Changes 2026: Breaking It Down for Early Years

Are you confident your setting could spot, record, and act on a safeguarding concern under the new 2026 guidance—without hesitation? With the updated Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 now in force, many early years leaders are unsure whether their current systems, staff knowledge, and recording practices are strong enough to meet expectations—especially when it comes to thresholds, multi-agency working, and evidencing concerns clearly. Within this episode, you will... Gain clarity on what's actually changed in the 2026 safeguarding guidance and what it means in day-to-day practice Understand the differences between early help, child in need, and child protection, so your team responds appropriately every time Learn how to strengthen your recording, professional curiosity, and safeguarding culture to stand up to scrutiny Press play now to get a clear, practical breakdown that will help you feel confident your setting is truly inspection-ready for safeguarding in 2026. Book a Show and Tell, https://calendly.com/jigsaweyc-support/show-and-tell

April 27, 202611 min

234 - The Conversation You're Avoiding: Addressing Poor Performance in Early Years!

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="797fbcd0-818d-4689-91a9-7e07f2dd3ec5" data-testid="conversation-turn-1" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:d9766756-3493-4977-90df-cd6093ab632b-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Are you avoiding a difficult conversation in your setting and quietly hoping the problem will fix itself? If you're leading an Early Years team, you've likely noticed those small, repeated issues, lateness, incomplete tasks, or lack of engagement that slowly chip away at standards. You want a strong, consistent team, but addressing poor performance can feel uncomfortable, especially when you're already stretched. This episode speaks directly to that tension, helping you move from avoidance to confident, professional leadership. Within this episode, you will... Gain a clear, step-by-step approach to handling poor performance without feeling harsh or confrontational Understand how avoiding issues impacts your team culture, staff morale, and outcomes for children Learn how to reframe difficult conversations so they become opportunities for growth, not conflict Listen now to get the clarity and confidence you need to tackle that one conversation you've been putting off today.

April 20, 202615 min

233 - The Difference Between A Mock Inspection And A Quality Improvement Audit

Are you preparing for an inspection but secretly wondering if a "mock" is actually helping, or holding your team back? If you're feeling the pressure of inspections, unsure where your setting truly stands, or worried your team's confidence is dipping, this episode speaks directly to you. It explores a more supportive, realistic approach that focuses on improving quality, not replicating the stress of an inspection, so you can build a stronger, more confident team. Within this episode, you will... Gain clarity on the difference between mock inspections and quality improvement audits, and why that shift matters Discover how to empower your team so they feel confident, capable, and motivated (instead of nervous and overwhelmed) Learn practical ways to identify real areas for development with tailored, room-by-room insights Press play now to discover how a quality-focused approach can transform your setting and leave you and your team feeling confident, clear, and in control. For more information about a Quality Improvement Audit, please e-mail QIA@jigsaweyc.com

April 13, 20269 min

232 - What Inspectors Notice in the First 30 Minutes And Why It Matters!

What story would your setting tell an inspector in the first 30 minutes, and would it work in your favour? If you're feeling the pressure of an upcoming inspection, it's easy to get caught up in paperwork and policies, but what if that's not what really shapes the outcome? This episode speaks directly to the common worry of "Are we doing enough?" by shifting your focus to what inspectors actually notice straight away, helping you feel more prepared, confident, and in control of your everyday practice. Within this episode, you will... Gain clarity on the five key things inspectors observe immediately, so you can focus your energy where it truly matters Feel more confident in your team's ability to demonstrate strong practice naturally, without scripted answers Learn how to strengthen your setting's atmosphere, organisation, and leadership presence in ways that positively influence inspection outcomes Press play now to discover how mastering the first 30 minutes could instantly strengthen your inspection outcome. For more resources, visit www.jigsawearlyyearsconsultancy.com