Hopscotch has the expertise & The Experience To Support You in Every aspect of provision

Over the last decade plus, we've supported and led over 300 settings to an Outstanding grading at inspection. Hopscotch consultants know best practice and how to get your team performing at its highest level while still allowing your ethos and unique personality shine through.

We are the only consultancy in the UK with the size and breadth of expertise that means we can bring to bear industry-leading knowledge and the highest levels of quality in everything Early Years-related. Our consultants are subject matter experts in their field, whether that be in how to thrive at inspection, to being inspiring teachers and trainers, or nursery operators with a track record of both quality and commercial success. 

Our close-knit team work together to ensure the right person is at the forefront of supporting you to achieve your goals.

Some of our most common services when we visit include:

One of the most rewarding and popular services we offer our clients is our CPD packages. Following an informal discussion around the needs and requirements of each unique setting, our consultants work with owners, directors and management teams to design the best support needed to drive progress – but with the added benefit of continued in-person visits to the setting(s). We continually evaluate and reflect on the progress each nursery makes, adapting plans and suggesting further recommendations so you feel fully supported towards your targets and goals.

Sometimes all managers need is support in aligning their aspirations and identifying key success criteria to ensure these are met. We work with your teams to highlight areas of development, explain steps to success and outline the criteria required to achieve each of these – with manageable expectations.

Becoming a manager is often an exciting time; one where new leaders can implement changes and drive progress. However, this can also be a daunting time with many ‘unknowns’ just around the corner. With many years of experience, our consultants can work with your manager to understand the role, help with operational procedures, implement changes and offer tried-and-tested advice and support to them in their new role. There is no question that we haven’t heard before and with our continued support, your newest member of the team will be a highly passionate, driven leader in no time.

Never led an Ofsted inspection in a managerial role? Nervous about what to expect? Our consultants take the pressure off your manager (and deputy) by helping them create a unique Learning Walk that highlights your nursery’s strengths; aiding them in preparing for the Joint Observation and understanding what to expect; discussing possible lines of enquiry; and sharing advice and experience around the Leadership and Management Interview.

In a rapidly-changing world where it can be hard to keep up with legislative changes as well as the economic situation, it's easy to lose control of revenue and cost. We can deep dive into your operations, understand your cost pressures and model your revenue streams to ensure that you survive and thrive in your unique combination of location, size and mix of customers - giving you the maximum bang for every buck!

Prioritising safeguarding is a key deliverable in the EYFS. We will look at your policies and procedures and ensure that they are compliant and put safeguarding at the heart of everything you do. Our consultants will work in the rooms to audit your team's safeguarding knowledge, help staff understand who their vulnerable children are and look at the environment to ensure that all areas are safe for children. 

We have an experienced team of troubleshooting nursery managers who can be used to bridge any gaps in your leadership structure. Hopscotch can cover maternity leave, the sudden departure of a manager or as a strategic choice as part of a transformation of the leadership team in your nursery. They will take on the entire management role and deliver leadership of the highest standard, often while also helping a nursery carry out an action plan. If you're stuck between a rock and a hard place, Hopscotch can help!