Early Years Consultant Nationwide

Services

Steph Carter Early Years Consultant

For over 20 years, Steph has provided flexible childcare services, both as a childminder and as the proud owner of four successful day nurseries and two before and after school clubs. Steph previously owned a pre-school and a baby unit on a domestic setting, so has covered all types of settings. She now uses her experience and knowledge to help other owners and managers become the best that they can possibly be.

About Steph

How we can help you

It can be a real challenge to deal with all of the pressures that come with owning, managing or working in a childcare setting. Working with us is the first step in keeping you on the right path.

We offer a range of services to help your business to grow and provide the best service available to your customers and their children.

If you’re looking for a consultant to help you open a new setting, or if there’s a particular area you struggle with, look no further!

Full Mock Inspection

6 Hours. From the call the day before to the management questions at the end, I can help to prepare you for your inspection. Give you all the confidence you need so you can show them how amazing you are. 

New Setting Support

Are you a new setting due your inspection within 30 months? This is the best time to make sure you have everything in place. We can do lots of shorter visits to make sure you are ready for the big day.

Crisis Support

Have you received the an inadequate or RI grade or been put in to special measures, I can help you work through all the requirements to get your grade back to where you want it. I have been there TWICE so I know how you feel. Together we can make it right again. 

Learning walk

Need help with your learning walk? I can go over your learning walk with you and see what we need to add to make it have impact.

Paperwork checks

I love paperwork, did you know you don’t need much? I can go over all your paperwork and make sure you only have the things you really need in place.

Owner, Managers, Practitioners support & Tutoring

Are you having issues with your team, I can come and support your managers on how to improve their relationships with the team and how to deal with conflict. Being a owner is a lonely role, I am here to help.

Safeguarding Questions.

I can help your team with answering safeguarding questions and scenarios to make sure they are strong in this area and give you lots of tips and hints to make sure you are strong on the day.

Curriculum Support

Do you need help to build your curriculum, I can look at your curriculum and help you to build it stronger so the outcomes for children are the best they can possibly be.

Supervisions and performance plans

I can help implement supervisions, appraisals and when the going gets tough performance plans. To improve the standards in your setting.

Ofsted Day

I can be there to support yourself and your team. As soon as you get the call let me know and I will be there.

Improving Standards

Are your standards high, do you need help to improve them. This is one of the biggest issues I see, a different pair of eyes make a BIG difference.

Something else?

I offer different size packages to fit all, I can come for lots of mini sessions, then come back and see the progress, these are my favourite types of consultancies, I get to build relationships and trust with yourself, and your teams. Or I can come for a one off visit to make sure your on the right track.

Teams - Professional Development

Do you or your managers need help with yours/their own professional development to improve the management of your team. Giving them more responsibility. 
To improve or build your curriculum.  To implement supervisions, appraisals or when times get tough performance plans.  To improve the standards in your settings. 
Sometimes all you need is a different pair of eyes. 
Professional Development happens every day we all have something new to learn. 

Here’s what my amazing clients say about my services!

Testimonials

“Steph is both experienced and professional in her approach to Early Years. She has a thorough knowledge of the Ofsted Inspection process, and how to prepare settings, but also to challenge decisions that do not reflect the evidence submitted. She has grown enormously since I first met her nearly 8 years ago when she just operated one Outstanding setting from home to now owning a number of settings and offering a valuable service to fellow Owners and Managers. She maintains a supportive network within the Early Years community and is a practical hands on leader. If you need that nudge, some honest feedback and support, and someone who can tell you straight, then Steph Carter is the person to call.”

Ruth Newton – The helping hand – Early Years Consultant

“Why I choose Steph: I am new to the nursery world only been open a year. We have our first inspection due at 30 months. I contacted Steph to come in and check we were on the right path. I’ve never owned a nursery before so wanted some guidance from someone who had lots of experience to mentor me. Steph came month after month and has gone over everything with me, from paperwork to learning walks. We listen to her ideas and put them into place. She comes back and checks we have a good understanding and have embedded it into our practice then we move on to the next step. We really look forward to Steph coming, she is so lovely and approachable. I was a little worried when I contacted her, but she put us at ease straight away. We feel so much more confident now and know we will be ready on Ofsted day.

“If you have a nursery setting up’t norf then consider getting in touch with Steph Carter for Early Years help. Straight talking and a nonsense approach.”

Neil Dudman

“I have been gaining invaluable support and information from Steph over a couple of years now. As a multi site operator in the early year’s, Steph has seen and done most things that a nursery owner has to deal with. Steph’s advice is always based on experience, well thought out, no messing about but whilst using a calm head. If you are new to the sector, looking to expand or just feel you need another owners point of view then Steph is your person.”

Matthew Leedham – Nursery Owner

“Steph has gathered a wealth of knowledge over her years in childcare and is always on hand by phone when we need any help and advice. I would definitely recommend her consultancy service.”

Giggles & Goo Childcare

“Stephanie Carter was there for me and my staff when my setting endured a very difficult OFSTED experience. Not only on the day but offering reassurance after the event to allow me to maintain my confidence and reflect. Stephanie continues to offer her personal guidance in what was a traumatic time for me. Her skills have been invaluable, and we continue to welcome her sharp knowledge.”

– Kids’ Corner Bridlington Limited

Bright Bees nursery, Yorkshire


Steph has been with us for the past six months and has made a significant positive impact on the quality of our nursery. With extensive experience and in-depth knowledge, Steph quickly identifies areas for improvement. The staff readily implement her suggestions, leading to enhanced practice. I would highly recommend Steph to anyone in the early years sector.

Farah Farooq – Bright Bees