A learning walk is a vital part of an OFSTED inspection, giving you the chance to showcase your setting, demonstrate your knowledge, and highlight the excellent care and education you provide. Think of it as your opportunity to shine!
During the learning walk, you’ll explain how your environment supports children’s learning and development, as outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. In this blog, we’ll cover what inspectors look for, how to prepare, and key points you might like to discuss during the walk to ensure you highlight your hard work- remember the inspector only gets a snapshot of the day so make sure you tell them the amazing opportunities you provide that they may not see- don’t be scared to blow your trumpet… you are amazing!
What is a Learning Walk?
A learning walk is a tour of your childminding setting with the OFSTED inspector, during which you explain how you organise your space, plan activities, and meet the needs of the children in your care.
The EYFS framework underpins what inspectors are looking for. This includes:
1. How your provision support
children’s learning and development in all seven areas of learning?
2. How do you promote safety, independence, and inclusion in your setting?
3. Evidence of how you observe, assess, and plan for each child’s individual needs.
4. The quality of your interactions and how they extend children’s learning.
Think of the learning walk as your opportunity to explain the “why” behind what you do and provide inspectors with evidence of your commitment to delivering high-quality care.
What Inspectors Look for
Inspectors will assess:
1. Learning and Development
• EYFS curriculum implementation: Ensure activities cover all areas of learning (EYFS, Section 1).
• Differentiation: Show how you adapt to individual needs, including children with SEND (EYFS, 1.28).
2. Quality of Teaching
• Interactions: OFSTED values your ability to extend children’s thinking through play and conversation (EYFS, 1.36).
• Resources: Present a variety of age-appropriate, open-ended resources that promote exploration and creativity.
3. Assessment
• Observations and tracking: Explain how you track progress and identify next steps - Remember, there is no need to keep written documents anymore but you will need to be able to talk the inspector through how you track and assess- they want to see that you know your children well.
4. Safeguarding and Welfare
• Safety and hygiene: Demonstrate daily risk assessments and clear safeguarding protocols (EYFS, Section 3).
Key Talking Points During the Learning Walk
Here are some examples of key areas to highlight during the walk:
Environment and Routine
• “I’ve arranged the environment to be accessible and inviting for all children. Resources are stored at child height to promote independence and decision-making.”
• “Outdoor play is essential for gross motor development and risk-taking. This is our garden, where children explore nature and practice climbing.”
Cultural Awareness and Inclusion
• “We celebrate diversity by exploring cultural festivals. For Diwali, we created rangoli patterns and learned about its significance through storytelling.”
• “Our books, toys, and posters reflect a variety of cultures, family structures, and abilities, promoting inclusivity.”
Language and Communication
• “I use stories, songs, and open-ended questions to develop children’s language skills. For example, after reading The Gruffalo, we recreated the story using puppets and sensory materials.”
• “To support children with limited vocabulary, I use visual aids and introduce simple signs.”
Physical Development
• “We provide activities to develop fine motor skills, like threading, playdough, and mark-making, as well as outdoor games for gross motor skills.”
• “This climbing frame helps children build strength, coordination, and confidence.”
Supporting Emotional Wellbeing
• “I encourage emotional literacy through daily check-ins. Children use emotion cards to share how they feel.”
• “Our cosy corner is a space for children to self-regulate and relax when needed.”
Planning and Assessment
• “These learning journals track each child’s progress. I use observations to plan next steps and ensure activities are tailored to their needs.”
• “My weekly plans incorporate child-initiated interests, like the dinosaur dig we set up after Max showed a fascination with fossils.”
Partnerships with Parents
• “Parents receive regular updates through digital journals, daily wahstapp updates, our facebook page and scheduled meetings as well as daily conversations at collection and drop off, Their input shapes my planning and helps create a home-setting partnership.”
• “I also share a monthly newsletter with activity ideas to continue learning at home.”
Risk Assessments and Safety
• “I complete daily risk assessments for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Safety is a top priority in everything we do.”
• “We practice fire drills monthly, so children are familiar with the procedures.”
Extending Learning Through Play
• “When children show interest in a topic, I extend their learning through themed activities. For example, when they were curious about bugs, we created a mini-beast hotel and explored their habitats.”
• “I encourage problem-solving by asking questions like, ‘How can we make this tower taller without it falling?’ during block play.”
Reflecting on Practice
• “I reflect on my practice regularly, using parent feedback and training courses to continuously improve. For example, I’ve recently added STEM toys to enhance problem-solving opportunities.”
How to Prepare for Your Learning Walk
1. Organise Your Setting
• Ensure every space is purposeful and tidy.
2. Know Your Policies
• Be prepared to discuss safeguarding, risk assessments, and emergency procedures confidently.
3. Have Evidence Ready
• Written documentation is no longer a requirement of the EYFS but do be prepared to verbally evidence how you track the children's progress and plan for their next steps as well as examples of how you work in partnership with parents and other settings. - Remember that the two-year progress check is still a written requirement so you will also want to organise these to show your inspector.
4. Practice Your Explanations
• Rehearse key points about your routine, environment, and curriculum to feel confident 5.Evidence of your professional development.
Show any certificates you have gained from your continuous professional development. The inspector will also want to see your DBS, first aid, and safeguarding certificates.
Final Thoughts
An OFSTED learning walk is your opportunity to showcase the amazing work you do every day. By preparing in advance, staying confident, and highlighting key aspects of your setting, you can ensure a positive and productive inspection.
Remember, your dedication to providing high-quality care and education will speak for itself. Trust in your hard work, and embrace the learning walk as a moment to shine!
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