An early year’s expert has launched a new digital guide to show childminders and nursery staff they “have nothing to fear” from Ofsted.

Claire Budge has spent over 30 years in education and has seen the inspection system from every angle – as a teacher, inspector and as the owner of her own “outstanding” early years setting in Darlington.

She has now created A to Exceptional, a practical A-Z guide designed to support early years settings through the pressures of inspection.

“My hope is that it will show educators and childminders that they have nothing to fear,” said Claire.

“I know first-hand how daunting Ofsted inspections can feel – I still get nervous when my own setting is inspected – and even hearing the word can unsettle experienced staff.

“But they really shouldn’t be. Ofsted is there to support settings, and I wanted to create something practical that would help staff feel more confident and prepared ahead of an inspection.

“From my experience, many practitioners are already doing many things well, so A to Exceptional is about reassurance as much as guidance.

“It exists to help people feel prepared rather than panicked.”

The resource is made up of 26 digital units covering key areas including Assessment, Behaviour, Curriculum and Inclusion.

Each section includes checklists, examples and straightforward guidance aimed at making inspection expectations easier to understand for busy practitioners and childminders.

Claire, who also holds a Master’s Degree in SEND and worked for the Covid Recovery Taskforce, originally created the system for her own staff.

She believes the “unique” guide is unlike anything else currently available in the sector because of its practical, easy-to-follow approach.

“It’s not about theory or ticking boxes,” she added.

“It’s about giving staff something clear and supportive they can actually use day-to-day.

“A lot of settings already deliver brilliant care and education, but confidence can disappear as soon as Ofsted is mentioned.”

Claire said one of the biggest current worries for early years practitioners is maths, following changes in inspection expectations.

“Ofsted say mathematics must be taught explicitly, but many settings are asking how you teach maths to children as young as two in a meaningful way,” she said.

“That uncertainty is causing a lot of stress for staff, and those are exactly the kinds of issues this guide is designed to help with.

“But more than helping people prepare for inspections, the aim is to strengthen the excellent work they are already doing every day.” To find out more, visit: www.atoexceptional.com