Learning Walk - September 2026

A comprehensive, self-guided quality assurance tool designed to help early years leaders evaluate what children experience across their setting and identify clear priorities for improvement.

Aligned with the Ofsted Early Years Inspection Toolkit and the EYFS statutory framework for use from September 2026, the document supports managers to review safeguarding, inclusion, curriculum and teaching, children’s achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, the learning environment, and leadership and governance.

The toolkit includes structured observation prompts, professional discussion questions, record-review checks and a simple red, amber and green rating system. It also contains dedicated EYFS statutory assurance sections covering learning and assessment, staffing and suitability, health and safety, premises, records, complaints and required notifications.

Managers can use the document to:

• Complete learning walks across rooms, routines and age groups

• Record evidence and the impact of practice on children

• Identify inconsistencies, risks and statutory actions

• Create a focused improvement plan with responsibilities and review dates

• Track whether actions have improved children’s safety, participation, learning and wellbeing

Suitable for nurseries, pre-schools and school-based EYFS provision in England. This is a downloadable, editable document for use within your own setting and is intended as a self-evaluation and improvement tool rather than an inspection grade predictor.