This page is dedicated to tools and processes for Early Years Practitioners (Leaders, Managers, SENCo, Room leader or practitioner) to use within the setting to support your reflection, collaboration, and the development of the quality of provision, which can include staff performance. Should you need additional support with implementing any of the following strategies, please contact your Early Years and Childcare Service member of staff, or seek out the appropriate training available.
Peer Observation
Peer observations in Early Years play a crucial role in fostering professional growth and enhancing the quality of early childhood education. These observations involve educators within the same educational setting, such as preschools or nurseries, observing each other’s practices and interactions with young learners. This collaborative approach provides a platform for continuous improvement, reflective learning, and the sharing of best practices. Early Years practitioners can gain valuable insights, fresh perspectives, and constructive feedback from their peers, ultimately benefiting both the educators and the children they care for and educate. In this SWAY, we will introduce the breadth of this quality improvement practice and signpost you to supportive training for your whole team.
Peer Observation record template
Peer Observation record template (portrait)
Guidance on conducting your own Learning Walks
In the dynamic world of early childhood education, where every moment is an opportunity for growth and development, Learning Walks emerge as a powerful tool for practitioners, leaders and managers alike. This guide is designed to demystify the concept of Learning Walks, providing a clear roadmap for implementing and maximizing their effectiveness in Early Years settings.
Supervision
This guide for supervisions practice in the Early Years offers a structured framework to empower educators in creating nurturing environments for young children. Focused on fostering positive relationships, the guide emphasizes reflective practices, communication strategies, and collaborative approaches to enhance the overall well-being and development of early learners.
Using and creating appropriate Development Plans
This guide empowers educators in Early Years settings to craft purposeful action plans that enhance their educational practices. It offers a systematic approach, providing step-by-step instructions and practical insights to ensure the development of effective strategies for optimal learning experiences in early childhood education
Example templates of development/action plans
- Flowchart Action Plan Template
- Action Plan Template (Portrait)
- Action Plan Template (Landscape)
- Action Plan template – Roadmap
Preparing for Ofsted inspection
The Early Years and Childcare Service has put together a factsheet of useful information sources to support you to gather data relating to the context of your local area. This includes deprivation levels, take-up of the early years pupil premium (EYPP), obesity rates and oral health statistics – this data will help to inform your discussions with Ofsted inspector during the planning call.
Further information about preparing for inspection and the planning call can be found in the Early years inspection operating guide for inspectors: for use from November 2025 – GOV.UK.
Local Authority Action Plan template following Ofsted Inspection