Auditing processes are vital for upholding high standards across all industries, and in early years education, they play a key role in ensuring children receive the best possible learning experiences. An effective audit goes beyond mere compliance checks – it offers actionable insights, personalised support and a clear path for improvement.
Here, our Early Years Quality Manager, Lisa Nichols, covers the purpose of our audit process, detailing how it is undertaken. She goes on to explain the importance of remaining compliant with industry regulations, before providing her advice on how to excel in both audits and Ofsted inspections.
Setting the stage for success
Our audits are designed to help our nurseries reach their full potential, ensuring compliance with industry standards while confidently preparing for Ofsted inspections. At Monkey Puzzle, we view audits as more than just a box-ticking exercise – they are a fundamental part of delivering high-quality care and education to children.
So, what does the audit process look like? Typically, our nurseries undergo their first Ofsted inspection between 17-30 months of opening, but at Monkey Puzzle, we get started much earlier. Our first audit – which essentially mimics an inspection…and then some! – usually takes place 12-18 months after launch. This gives our Early Years Quality team plenty of time to work closely with staff, ensuring everything is in place and ready for inspection time.
In addition to this early start, we conduct monthly visits to each setting. These visits, which can last up to six hours, are sometimes announced but may also not be, depending on circumstances. They’re a chance to address specific concerns or to get ready for a potential inspection.
Our audits are closely aligned with Ofsted’s framework, utilising tools like the inspection handbook to ensure full compliance with welfare requirements. However, we go beyond standard inspection criteria, diving deeper into key areas – particularly data analysis. For example, we conduct thorough reviews of specific elements such as health and safety, safeguarding practices and dietary requirements. This holistic approach enhances and complements the broader objectives of an Ofsted visit.
Understanding that every nursery is unique, our audits are tailored to the specific needs of each setting. By breaking down larger inspection categories into smaller, targeted components, we ensure every detail is thoroughly addressed, leaving nothing to chance.
Turning insights into action
For us, the audit process doesn’t end when the visit is over. In fact, what happens afterwards is the most critical part of ensuring the success of the setting. It’s all well and good conducting a thorough audit, but the real value lies in how nurseries engage with the feedback provided. This stage transforms observations into improvements, helping nurseries stay at the top of their game when inspection time rolls around.
After each audit, we deliver a thorough and detailed report outlining our findings and offering practical solutions tailored to the setting. Our reports emphasise actionable steps to address key areas for improvement, providing nurseries with a clear roadmap for progress. This approach empowers them to implement meaningful changes that enhance their standards.
We design bespoke 12-week action plans to guide nurseries through the next phase. Sometimes improvements may only be required in one age group or room, and in cases where nurseries are fully compliant with our findings, a 12-week plan might not be necessary at all. The key is consistent communication, making sure the support provided is always relevant, effective and tailored to each setting.
Regular follow-ups are central to this process. We don’t just hand over a report and step away; we’re there to track progress, provide guidance and refine approaches as needed. Whether it’s sending tools to address certain issues or offering additional advice, our ongoing support means that improvements are not only implemented but sustained.
By actively engaging with our feedback and making full use of the resources we provide, nurseries can confidently prepare for upcoming inspections. Collaboration is at the heart of our auditing process – identifying areas for improvement is just the first step. It’s about working together to drive lasting excellence in the early years services we deliver.
Staying ahead of the game
The world of early years education is always evolving, making a proactive approach essential. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework undergoes regular updates – for instance, changes to dietary requirements – meaning best practices are continually shifting. At Monkey Puzzle, we take pride in our ability to adapt and support our nurseries through these changes, ensuring they stay compliant and confident at every stage.
What really makes us stand out is our early years quality team’s depth of experience – over 100 years combined! This expertise shapes every aspect of our process, making sure nurseries receive practical, informed guidance every step of the way. For instance, we know offering support from a distance doesn’t work. With our hands-on approach, including regular physical visits and continuous availability, whether answering a quick question or offering in-depth advice, we’re always ready to lend a helping hand. We believe this approach helps build confidence, trust and long-term success for every setting we work with.
Our top tips
As we’ve discussed, the auditing process is an essential tool for nursery success, but there are a few key tips that can make all the difference for nursery managers and owners:
- Engage with feedback – once the audit is complete, the real work begins. Embrace the feedback, use the tools and resources provided and implement the action plan. It will lead to meaningful improvements that will benefit your team and the children in your care.
- Focus on daily compliance and quality improvement – compliance isn’t something to be left to the last minute. The more attention you give to maintaining high standards, the smoother the audit process will go – small changes made consistently lead to big improvements over time.
- Trust the team – It’s important to lean on expertise in our industry. After all, we have the same goals! Trust the process and don’t hesitate to reach out when you need advice or clarification.
Our auditing process goes beyond simply meeting guidelines and requirements – it’s about empowering our nurseries to deliver exceptional early years education. Our ultimate goal is to help our nurseries achieve excellence and work towards that coveted ‘Outstanding’ rating. Most importantly, we are committed to guiding our settings through every step of their compliance journey, equipping them with the tools and expertise they need to thrive – because we’re all in this together.
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