When Jenna Greenwood signed up for Elklan’s Communication Friendly Home-Based Settings (CFHBS) programme for childminders, she had no idea it would play such a pivotal role in her next Ofsted inspection. Just two weeks before the course came to an end, Jenna was inspected, and the result was nothing short of exceptional. All images featured in this blog were kindly provided by Jenna and taken from her childminding setting.
A Standout Ofsted Report
On 7 May 2025, Jenna’s early years setting in Littleborough received the highest possible grade across the board: Outstanding for overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The report is full of praise for Jenna’s carefully planned curriculum, her “deep understanding of how young children learn,” and the rich, stimulating environment she has created. Children in her care are described as happy, confident, and rapidly progressing. Her role as a nurturing and knowledgeable professional clearly made a lasting impression on the inspector. It wasn’t just the setting itself that stood out. The inspection also highlighted Jenna’s proactive commitment to professional development.
Elklan in the Spotlight
During her inspection, Jenna spoke extensively about her experience with Elklan’s Level 3 course. She shared how the training had directly influenced her practice, helping her make meaningful changes within her setting. These changes, in turn, have led to visible improvements in how children communicate, play, and learn.
“The Elklan course was so useful,” Jenna said. “I’ve changed lots within my setting as a result, and the children have really benefited from this.”
She had been encouraged to share her Ofsted report once received. This reflects the proud and supportive learning community that Elklan cultivates.
Speech and Language at the Heart
The inspector specifically commended Jenna’s commitment to supporting children’s speech and language development. The report notes that communication is at the heart of her curriculum, with high-quality interactions, storytelling, and the use of new vocabulary all embedded in daily routines. These strategies mirror the core principles of Elklan’s approach and have helped ensure that no child in Jenna’s care needed referral for additional support. This is a remarkable achievement.
A Ripple Effect
Jenna’s success story is more than just personal. It is an example of how Elklan training can empower practitioners, transform settings, and enrich the lives of children. Her story highlights the importance of ongoing professional learning and the tangible impact it can have on both practice and outcomes.
At Elklan, we’re thrilled to celebrate Jenna’s achievement and proud to have played a small part in her journey to Outstanding.
Find out how you can transform your childminder setting into a Communication Friendly Home-Based Setting
