HeyJaredTops Talks
This podcast is all about real conversations that matter in Early Years, education, and sustainability.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 7
- Latest publication
- Sep 10, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 10, 2026
Latest episodes
From Marks to Meaning: Understanding Early Writing (opens the original)
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When you hear the word writing, what comes to mind? Pencils? Worksheets? Letter formation? In this episode of Tops Talks, Sophie challenges some of the common misconceptions about writing in the early years and explores why writing is about so much more than putting words on paper. From mark making and storytelling to schemas and purposeful play, this episode will help you see writing through a completely different lens.
The Maths You Didn't Know Was Maths (opens the original)
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Mathematics is often misunderstood in early years. It's not just counting and number recognition; it's pattern, space, measure, comparison and reasoning. Sophie explores how mathematical thinking develops naturally through play, curiosity and everyday experiences. From transporting schemas and tower building to problem solving and sustained shared thinking, discover how mathematics is woven throughout children's learning long before formal education begins.
The Inspection Debrief: Managers Share Their Experiences (opens the original)
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What is it really like to be inspected under the new Ofsted Toolkit? In this episode, Sophie is joined by Senior Nursery Managers, Chanelle and Stacey, who share their honest experiences of navigating inspection, from the planning call to the final feedback. Together, they discuss what surprised them, how the new Toolkit shaped their preparation, how their teams felt on the day, and the lessons they wish they'd known beforehand. Whether your inspection is just around the corner or you're simply
Let's Talk Inspection (opens the original)
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Inspection can often feel like one of the most daunting parts of working in early years, but understanding the process can make all the difference. In this episode of Tops Talks, Sophie Johnson explores what inspection looks like under Ofsted's new Early Years Inspection Toolkit. From the planning call and inspection day experience to curriculum, inclusion, safeguarding and leadership, Sophie shares practical insights into what inspectors are looking for and how settings can confidently showcase
Every Sleep, Every Check, Every Child (opens the original)
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Safe sleep is one of the most important responsibilities we have in early years. In this episode, Sophie explores what safer sleep looks like in practice, why consistent routines matter and how small actions can have a significant impact on children's safety and wellbeing. From creating safe sleep environments to effective supervision and working in partnership with parents, this episode is packed with practical guidance for every educator.
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