Supporting Good Practice
Early years providers across Barnet, including those in private, voluntary and independent (PVI) settings, childminders, and maintained schools, that receive Free Entitlement to Early Education (FEE) funding are eligible for support from the BELS Early Years Standards Team.
Early Years Standards Team
The Early Years Team is a specialised and highly experienced service, led by the Early Years Standards Lead and the Strategic Leads for Early Years in Schools. It is delivered by a dedicated and knowledgeable team committed to promoting excellence across the sector.
The team comprises Early Years Advisory Teachers, Learning Network Inspectors, and an Early Years Officer, bringing a wealth of expertise and experience. Together, they champion best practice and support high-quality provision across all Barnet early years providers
Who We Work With
The Early Years Standards Team supports all early years settings, including:
- Private, voluntary and independent (PVI) settings and schools
- Early years provisions within maintained schools, including nursery and reception classes
- Childminders working in their own homes and non-domestic premises
Our Support and Services
The team provides guidance, support and training across all early years sectors to raise quality and improve educational standards. This includes:
- Effective Learning Environments
Provide guidance to support the creation and maintenance of high-quality, inclusive indoor and outdoor environments that promote engagement, independence and purposeful learning, aligned with children’s developmental needs and interests.
- Practitioner Knowledge and Skills
Strengthen practitioner expertise through training, coaching and reflective practice, enhancing understanding of child development, pedagogy, curriculum design and high-quality interactions.
- Leadership and Management Development
Support leaders and managers to develop effective leadership practices, including self-evaluation, strategic planning, staff supervision and performance management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Safeguarding Practice
Promote robust safeguarding arrangements by ensuring clear policies, statutory compliance, effective training and a strong safeguarding culture where children’s welfare is prioritised.
- Ofsted Preparation and Improvement Planning
Provide focused support for inspection readiness, including understanding the framework, demonstrating impact and articulating practice. Support post-inspection reflection and the implementation of clear, targeted action plans to secure improvement.
Support is delivered through a combination of face-to-face and virtual training sessions, alongside targeted regulatory support visits. All new settings and schools with early years provision receive initial support, with ongoing involvement tailored according to the level of need identified.
Training and Professional Development
A comprehensive programme of training is offered, bringing together practitioners and school-based staff from across the sector. These sessions promote research-led practice, encourage professional reflection, and support continuous improvement in the quality of provision.
In addition, termly network meetings provide managers and leaders with valuable opportunities for professional dialogue. These forums help to enhance outcomes for children and ensure providers receive regular updates on national policy and local initiatives.
Partnership Working
The team works collaboratively with partners across Barnet, including the BELS SEND Team and the Early Years Funding Team, to ensure that providers receive accurate, up-to-date advice and guidance.
Contact Us
If you would like to get in touch with the team, please email: