Resources & guides
Practical, no-fluff guides for UK childminders, nurseries and pre-schools — EYFS, Ofsted, observations, policies and running your setting.
The progress check at age two: what it must include and how to write it
What the EYFS requires in the two-year progress check, when to do it, how long it should be, and a worked example you can adapt.
2026-10-31EYFS observation examples for two-year-olds
Fourteen short EYFS observation examples for children aged two to three, across all seven areas, each with what it shows and a next step.
2026-10-31How often should you do EYFS observations?
There is no required number of EYFS observations. Here is what the framework says, what a sensible rhythm looks like, and how to know you are doing enough.
2026-10-31What happens on an early years Ofsted inspection day, in order
The structure of an inspection under the September 2026 operating guide: arrival, DBS and first aid, shared observations, case sampling, parents, the midday reflection, grading and feedback.
2026-10-31A free EYFS observation template (and how to use it)
A simple three-part EYFS observation template you can copy, print or type, with a filled-in example and notes on what to leave out.
2026-10-31How to write an EYFS observation in under a minute
A simple method for writing EYFS observations that are short, objective and actually useful, with before-and-after rewrites and the words to avoid.
2026-10-31The Ofsted early years report card explained: seven areas, five grades
What each evaluation area on the early years report card covers, what the expected standard says in plain words, and how the grades are decided.
2026-10-31Do you have to write EYFS observations? What the framework actually says
The statutory EYFS does not require written observations. Here is the exact wording, what you do have to produce, and what is still worth keeping.
2026-10-31Safeguarding on an early years inspection: what met and not met mean
The safeguarding standards in the Ofsted early years toolkit, how minor issues are handled on the day, and what follows a not met judgement.
2026-10-31What Ofsted actually asks about observations and assessment
How early years inspection works from September 2026, what inspectors look at instead of paperwork, and how to prepare without producing more of it.
2026-10-31Ofsted childminder inspections: what inspectors ask and how to answer
How a childminder inspection runs under the September 2026 guide, the questions inspectors ask about children, curriculum and safeguarding, and how to answer them well.
2026-10-31Explaining your curriculum to Ofsted: what curriculum and teaching means for a childminder or small setting
What the curriculum and teaching expected standard requires, how to describe your curriculum in your own words, and what inspectors look for in teaching.
2026-10-31Observing the characteristics of effective learning
What the three characteristics of effective teaching and learning are, what each looks like in a real child, and how to note them without adding paperwork.
2026-10-31EYFS observation examples for three and four-year-olds
Fourteen short EYFS observation examples for pre-school children across all seven areas and the characteristics of effective learning, with next steps.
2026-10-31How much notice does Ofsted give childminders and nurseries?
The notification rules from September 2026: the phone call, the planning call, how long inspections last, and what happens if Ofsted cannot reach you.
2026-10-31After your Ofsted inspection: feedback, the draft report card and what the grades mean next
The post-inspection timeline from September 2026, when the report card is published, what needs attention and urgent improvement mean for reinspection, and how to complain.
2026-10-31An Ofsted inspection checklist for childminders and nurseries
A short, honest checklist for the September 2026 framework: the two documents you must show, the conversations you must be able to have, and the things to stop doing.
2026-10-31EYFS observation examples for babies and under-twos
Twelve short EYFS observation examples for babies and one-year-olds across the prime areas, with what each one shows and a next step.
2026-10-31Ofsted early years inspections from September 2026: what has changed
Report cards, seven evaluation areas, a five-point scale and the June 2026 toolkit changes, explained for childminders, nurseries and pre-schools.
2026-10-31EYFS observation examples — and how to write them
Real EYFS observation examples across the age ranges, plus a simple structure for writing observations that actually show children's learning.
2026-06-18