Early Insights

Early Insights Specialising in enhancing Early Years environments, curriculums and provisions.
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Outstanding EYFS Consultant James Boddey – dedicated to creating inspiring and sustainable environments that nurture the growth and development of the next generation. As an independent Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) consultant, I work with nurseries, preschools, and childminders to enhance their environments and elevate the quality of care and education. My mission is to support you in deliv

ering outstanding early years provision that is joyful, inclusive, and child-centred. I will work with you to develop your current systems and curriculum in line with EYFS guidelines, motivate and inspire your EYFS team, work with you to expand and create effective Early years planning, assessment and observation systems. As the Manager of an Early Years Kindergarten that was graded Outstanding by Ofsted twice I understand assessments and how to ensure your setting meets the standards and flourishes during inspections. If you're looking to improve your setting’s environment, curriculum, or daily practice, I offer tailored support to meet your unique needs. How I Can Help
I collaborate with you and your team to:
• Develop and refine your curriculum in line with EYFS guidance
• Motivate and inspire staff through practical, hands-on support
• Strengthen planning, assessment, and observation systems
• Enhance both indoor and outdoor learning environments
I understand the challenges of running an early years setting—tight budgets, limited support, and ever-changing expectations. My goal is to bring back the guidance, encouragement, and expertise that every setting deserves.

🚨 Are you ready for next week and all the new EYFS updates and changes?From 1st September 2026, there are several import...
28/08/2026

🚨 Are you ready for next week and all the new EYFS updates and changes?

From 1st September 2026, there are several important changes to the EYFS statutory framework that every nursery, preschool and childminder should know before children return.

This includes updates to:

🌙 Safer sleep

🛡️ Safeguarding and reporting requirements

👥 DBS checks and volunteers

🍎 Weaning, allergies and healthier eating

📱 Children's screen use

✅ Other key welfare requirements coming into force from 1st September.

This morning I've emailed all of the nurseries and childminders I work with on a month-by-month basis with a simple summary of everything they need to know before next week.

Would you like a copy?

💚 Comment the word UPDATE below and I'll send you a message with all the information.

Please feel free to share this post with another early years professional who might find it helpful too. 🌿

Dear Early Years Practitioner...As September gets closer, here's your reminder.You do not need to have every display fin...
27/08/2026

Dear Early Years Practitioner...

As September gets closer, here's your reminder.

You do not need to have every display finished.

You do not need every activity planned weeks in advance.

You do not need to make your room look Pinterest-perfect.

Children won't remember the colour of your backing paper.

They'll remember how you made them feel.

They'll remember the smile at the door.

The person who learned their name.

The adult who sat beside them when they felt unsure.

Belonging comes before learning.

So if September feels busy already, take a breath and focus on what matters most — relationships first.

You've got this. 💚

"We're doing okay... do we really need an Early Years Consultant?"It's a question I hear a lot.The truth is, consultancy...
26/08/2026

"We're doing okay... do we really need an Early Years Consultant?"

It's a question I hear a lot.

The truth is, consultancy isn't about fixing failing settings. It's about helping good settings become even better.

Over the last 20+ years I've been lucky enough to work with:
🌿 Childminders.
🏡 Small independent nurseries.
🏫 Large nursery groups.
🌳 Forest schools.
📚 Prep schools and nursery classes in schools.

Every setting is different, so my support is different too.

Sometimes it's an outdoor environment review.
Sometimes it's curriculum development.
Sometimes it's helping leaders prepare for Ofsted.
Sometimes it's supporting staff confidence, planning or leadership.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach.

I don't arrive with a checklist and tell you everything that's wrong. I spend time understanding your setting, your children, your team and your goals, then we work together on practical ideas that actually work.

Consultancy doesn't have to be expensive, overwhelming or long-term.

Sometimes one conversation or one visit is enough to make a big difference.

If you've ever wondered whether your setting could benefit from some support, send me a message. Let's have a chat about what you need.

Early Insights – practical support, tailored to your setting.

26/08/2026

Understanding and getting to know each and every child is one of the most important things you can do as an Early Years Professional.

We must always remember that belonging comes before learning and ensure every child feels cared for, known and heard.

When I support nurseries and childminders developing their outdoor space I always notice these three things...🌱 Is it de...
25/08/2026

When I support nurseries and childminders developing their outdoor space I always notice these three things...

🌱 Is it designed for children or for adults?

Can children access resources independently? Can they move things, build, investigate and make decisions?

🌱 Are there opportunities for open-ended play?

Loose parts, natural materials, digging, water, mud, climbing, transporting... these often create the richest learning.

🌱 Does it change with the seasons?

A great outdoor environment evolves throughout the year. September should look different to January. Nature is part of the curriculum.

The good news?

You don't need a huge budget or acres of space to create meaningful outdoor learning.

Sometimes a few thoughtful changes make the biggest difference.

If you'd like another pair of eyes on your outdoor space, that's exactly what my outdoor reviews are designed for.

Is anyone else having the best year for tomatoes 🍅 ever? They may not be the biggest but we have loads and they are supe...
25/08/2026

Is anyone else having the best year for tomatoes 🍅 ever?

They may not be the biggest but we have loads and they are super tasty..how are your tomatoes getting on?

This mornings harvest 🍅🍅🍅

25/08/2026

5 things to focus on this September in your EYFS provision.

September is nearly here... and if you're anything like most early years practitioners, you're probably thinking where h...
24/08/2026

September is nearly here... and if you're anything like most early years practitioners, you're probably thinking where has the summer gone? 🍂

The first few weeks of September aren't about ticking boxes or rushing into topics. They're about getting to know children, helping them feel safe, building relationships and discovering who they are.

That's exactly why I created the All About Me Planning Pack.

It helps you:

Get to know every child as an individual.
Gather meaningful information from families.
Plan child-led experiences from children's interests.
Save time during one of the busiest months of the year.

Whether you're a childminder, nursery, preschool or school nursery class, this pack is designed to make September feel calmer and more purposeful.

✨ If you've been meaning to grab it, now's the time before the new term gets into full swing.

https://www.earlyinsights.co.uk/product-page/september-all-about-me-a-complete-eyfs-planning-provision-toolkit-birth-5

Thank you to everyone who has already ordered one – it's been amazing seeing them heading to settings across the UK.

5 things I'd do in every nursery before September starts...If I walked into your setting next week, these are the five t...
23/08/2026

5 things I'd do in every nursery before September starts...

If I walked into your setting next week, these are the five things I'd be thinking about first.

1. Focus on belonging before learning.
Children need to feel safe, welcomed and connected before they'll truly engage in learning.

2. Make your environment editable.
Don't have every display finished before children arrive. Leave space for children's ideas, creations and interests to shape the room.

3. Keep planning simple.
Start with what you know about the children, observe carefully and let next steps grow from genuine interests rather than pre-planned themes.

4. Spend time outdoors every day.
September is one of the best months for outdoor learning. Nature gives you endless opportunities for communication, maths, physical development and wellbeing.

5. Invest in your team, not just your resources.
The most valuable thing in any setting isn't a new toy or display. It's confident practitioners who understand why they're doing what they're doing.

September doesn't need to be perfect.

It needs to be thoughtful.

⭐ Trusted by practitioners across the UK.Every week I'm hearing from practitioners who tell me the same thing:"This has ...
22/08/2026

⭐ Trusted by practitioners across the UK.

Every week I'm hearing from practitioners who tell me the same thing:

"This has saved us so much time."

Whether you're looking for:

🍃 The complete September All About Me Planning Toolkit (£19)
https://www.earlyinsights.co.uk/product-page/september-all-about-me-a-complete-eyfs-planning-provision-toolkit-birth-5

or

🍃 The A3 Planning Web (£9)
https://www.earlyinsights.co.uk/product-page/the-early-insights-planning-web

both were created to make planning feel practical again.

No unnecessary paperwork.

No endless templates.

Just resources you'll actually use.

Address

Ludlow

Website

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