Built by a nursery manager,for nursery managers
Early Years Circle exists because the people running early years settings deserve practical, relevant support that actually matches the reality of their day.
Created by someone who walks the talk
Early Years Circle was built by a practising nursery manager who knows first-hand how essential it is to have hands-on, practical and relevant information when running a childcare setting.
With 16 years of experience applying the EYFS and implementing policies, procedures and regulations, the focus here is simple: give managers and leaders the tools and guidance that actually work on the floor — not theory, but the kind of support you can put into practice today.
Early Years Circle
Practical support for the people keeping early years settings running.
Why we built this
Running a nursery, pre-school or early years setting means juggling compliance, staffing, parents, funding and children's wellbeing — often with little time to spare.
Save time
Managers told us they were rewriting observations and policies late into the evening. We wanted to give that time back.
Stay compliant
EYFS, Ofsted, KCSIE and the SEND Code of Practice change. We keep resources aligned so you don't have to second-guess.
Support wellbeing
Leaders carry a lot. From supervision templates to a simple breathing tool, we look after the people looking after children.
Aligned to what matters
Every checklist, template and coaching answer is grounded in the frameworks UK settings are inspected and funded against.
Built on real setting experience
Not generic advice — resources shaped by 16 years in early years management.
UK-focused
England-specific guidance, terminology and frameworks you actually use.
Inspection-ready
Templates and checklists designed around what Ofsted and your local authority want to see.
See what Early Years Circle can do for your setting
Start with a free AI tool, download a free checklist, or begin a 7-day trial with no card needed.
- How to Prepare for an Ofsted Inspection: A Manager's ChecklistOfsted inspections are less stressful when you have already done the work. Here is a practical manager's checklist for the days, weeks and months before the call.
- SEND Support Plan Template: Assess, Plan, Do, ReviewA strong early years SEND support plan follows the graduated approach. Here is a practical template that keeps parents involved, targets realistic and provision clear.
- EYFS Safeguarding Checklist for Nursery ManagersSafeguarding is the limiting judgement in every Ofsted inspection. Use this manager's checklist to make sure your setting is compliant, current and ready to evidence.
- How to Write Your Ofsted Self-Evaluation Form (SEF)The SEF is not about writing what you think Ofsted wants to hear. It is an honest working document that links what you do to the impact it has on children. Here is a manager-friendly template.
- Attendance in Early Years: Why Routines, Punctuality and Seasonal Change MatterSeptember brings new school runs, tired siblings and shifting routines. Here's how early years settings can encourage good attendance and timekeeping while keeping children safe, settled and ready to learn.
- The 2026 Regulatory Changes: Safer Sleep, Screen Use and SEND ReformFrom 1 September 2026 the EYFS frameworks change again — safer sleep written into the framework, a new screen use duty, tighter DBS and reporting rules, and SEND reform reshaping early identification. Here is what to actually do.
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