It is two months now since the new Education Inspection Framework came into effect and reports are just beginning to be published. Without any doubt, there is a change in the tone of hoe the reports are being written. There is a clear focus on interactions and relationships between staff and children and some lovely turns of phrase to describe these connections. One inspector write that “children howl with laughter” as they join in making up nonsense rhymes with the staff in their room. Another commented that “Children revel in the childminder’s undivided attention as she sits on the floor and genuinely enjoys joining in with their play.” This feels like an enormous change from the rather bland and non-descript reports we have become accustomed to reading. Perhaps the promised focus away from paperwork and on to how well adults know children is happening. And maybe the words of Gill Jones at training sessions are being heeded. There her strong recommendation was that adults should laugh, play and enjoy having fun with children. Long may it continue!