Alexandra Chiorando, early years consultant and former Ofsted inspector.

Is Ofsted on your mind?

There isn’t a magic course, checklist or consultant who can wave a wand and get you through an Ofsted inspection. And I don’t think that should be the aim.

The best preparation for Ofsted is strong practice every day. Children receiving high-quality care and education, practitioners who are supported and invested in, and leaders who know their setting, their children and their curriculum.

You shouldn’t need to suddenly become a different setting because Ofsted is coming.

That being said, inspection can feel daunting. Understanding the process, knowing what to expect and having someone take an objective look at your practice can really help.

I’ve experienced inspection from both sides. I’m a former Early Years Ofsted Inspector, but I’ve also spent over 30 years working in education and early years as a teacher, SENDCo, senior leader and Regional Director. I understand inspection, but I also understand the reality of running a busy setting.

My role is to help you look honestly at where you are, recognise what’s already strong and identify anything that could be strengthened without turning Ofsted preparation into a performance.

Working with Marmalade

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Working with Marmalade 〰️

Ofsted support: a fresh pair of eyes on everyday practice, pre-inspection support with a discovery call and practical action plan, and support after inspection to strengthen practice and rebuild confidence.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Alex on several occasions. I have previously participated in some excellent marmalade online training that were very informative, easy to follow and the things I learned have been incredibly helpful in my role as a nursery manager.
Recently, we were fortunate to welcome Alex into our early years setting. She shared her knowledge, skills and experience, providing support as we develop as a new and unique setting. Alex provided useful tips, introduced new working methods and demonstrated how to enrich the children’s learning. She took the time to collaborate with each member of our team, ensuring we all felt at ease while offering valuable advice and guidance.

Ruth Sandbach, Manager, The Nursery in Belong

Five-star testimonials: Laura and Shelley of The Learning Tree Kindergarten praise engaging training; Emma Carter of Oak Tree Nursery describes practical, reassuring Ofsted preparation support.
Alexandra Chiorando seated with two adults and two young children in a wooden garden shelter during a nursery visit.