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Hey there, I’m Emily Macfarlane, and welcome to The Diary of an Early Years Educator!

This podcast is your go-to space for honest, down-to-earth conversations about the realities of working with young children. Every week, I’ll be sharing personal stories from my time in early years, along with practical tips, funny moments, and reflections on everything that comes with the job. From navigating tricky situations to celebrating the little wins, it's all about keeping it real and having a laugh along the way.

This isn’t your typical, formal podcast. Think of it more like catching up with a friend who gets the highs and lows of early years work, and isn't afraid to chat about both! Whether you’re already working with young children, just getting started, or simply curious about what goes on in this fantastic (and sometimes chaotic) industry, you’re in the right place.

So grab a cuppa, settle in, and join me for some fun, casual, and relatable chats about all things early years. I can't wait to share this journey with you!

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In this weeks episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, Ben and Emily take a deep dive into the results of Ofsted's Big Listen consultation and the major reforms shaking up the inspection landscape. They explore the monumental shift from single-word judgments to more comprehensive report cards, aimed at providing a fuller picture of school performance while reducing the pressure on educators.

The conversation delves into how Ofsted is focusing on transparency, with reforms designed to create a more collaborative relationship between inspectors and schools. Ben and Emily also discuss the significant changes aimed at improving support for vulnerable learners, including students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and how safeguarding practices are becoming a central priority.

This episode takes a look at the future of Ofsted, particularly the planned improvements in inspector training and contextual understanding, making inspections more relevant to the unique circumstances of each school. Ben and Emily also unpack how these reforms could positively impact staff well-being, addressing concerns raised in the consultation regarding the mental health toll of inspections.

Finally, the pair discusses how Ofsted plans to move forward with these changes, exploring what this means for the education system and what educators can expect from future inspections. Will these reforms really create a fairer, more supportive system, or will they fall short of the change schools and nursery settings are hoping for?

Tune in as Ben and Emily break down all the details and predict how Ofsted will evolve in the coming years. Don't miss this in-depth conversation on the future of education inspections, the reforms to rebuild trust, and how Ofsted aims to make a positive impact in schools across the UK.

Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

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