Tops Talks

Curiosity is at the heart of every great learner. In this episode, Sophie explores how children naturally investigate, question and discover the world around them, and how educators can nurture those moments through meaningful experiences, conversations and play.

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.

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.

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 looking to build confidence, this episode is packed with practical advice, reassurance, and real-life reflections from leaders who have recently been through the process.

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 the incredible work they do every day.
Whether you have an inspection approaching or simply want to better understand the new toolkit, this episode will help you focus on what matters most: knowing your children, understanding your impact and demonstrating the difference you make.

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.

In this special episode of Tops Talks, we're celebrating an incredible milestone for Tops Day Nurseries - winning The King's Awards.
This is the highest official award a UK business can receive, recognising organisations that are making a real difference through innovation and sustainable development.
 
Join Sophie as she goes behind the scenes with Sandy to explore the journey from application to the royal reception, what it was like meeting His Majesty The King, and why this achievement belongs to every single colleague across Tops. 
This is a celebration of the passion, dedication and difference we make together and something we can all be incredibly proud of.

What does a nursery manager's day really look like? From safeguarding and staffing challenges to supporting teams, monitoring quality and handling the unexpected, no two days are ever the same. In this episode, Sophie is joined by a panel of Nursery Managers from Tops to share the realities of leading an early years setting, the challenges people don't always see, and the moments that make the role so rewarding.

In this episode of Tops Talks, I’m joined by Helen Markham from Best Practice Network to discuss the Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) programme and the important role it plays in developing future leaders within the early years sector.
 
Together, we explore what EYITT involves, who it is designed for, and how it can support practitioners to build their knowledge, confidence and leadership skills. Helen shares insights into the programme, the benefits for both individuals and settings, and why investing in professional development is so important for the future of early years education.
 
Whether you're considering EYITT yourself, supporting colleagues on their professional journey, or simply interested in developing high quality practice, this episode offers plenty of useful information and practical advice.

In this episode of Tops Talks, Sophie is joined by Sandy Kemish from Tops and Caroline Taylor from Merry Go Round to unpack the realities of reusable nappies and training pants in Early Years. From tackling common myths and misconceptions to exploring the environmental, financial and developmental benefits, this episode is full of practical advice and honest conversation about making more sustainable choices. Because every small change really does count.