Government updates
Early years inspection handbook
Ofsted guidance on inspecting registered early years and childcare providers under the education inspection framework.
Change made: See ‘Summary of changes’.
Ofsted guidance on inspecting maintained schools and academies in England under the education inspection framework.
Change made: See ‘Summary of changes.’
Independent schools inspection handbook
Ofsted guidance on inspecting non-association independent schools in England under the education inspection framework.
Change made: See ‘Summary of changes’.
People connected with Ofsted-registered childcare
Guidance on checks we will carry out on anyone associated with Ofsted-registered childcare.
Change made: Clarified the checks we carry out on household members and visitors.
Carrying out Childcare Register compliance inspections – Updated the ‘Making arrangements to inspect a nanny’ section to clarify that virtual inspections may take place if we are unable to gain consent to enter the home where a nanny is working.
Statistical commentary: a focus on childminders – This commentary looks at a range of analysis and trends that might help explain some of the barriers to joining the childminding profession and those that may contribute to childminders leaving.
Best start in life: a research review for early years – This is three-part subject-based curriculum research review focused on early years education. We have added ‘Best start in life part 2: the 3 prime areas of learning’. See also the accompanying press release.
Blog: giving all children the best start in life – Blog post by Lee Owston, Deputy Director, Schools and Education, reflecting on the importance of this strategic priority.
Webinars: early years curriculum – a focus on communication and language – We have published five short webinars. Three of them are for registered early years providers and schools. These explain: why communication and language are so important, what a good curriculum should look like to support development of communication and language, and the ways that children make progress through knowing and remembering more. The other two are specific to the type of setting: one for registered early years settings and one for schools, both explaining how we look at communication and language on inspection.
Rutland childminder agency closure: information for childminders – A guide for childminders who are choosing to move to Ofsted following the closure of Rutland childminder agency. We also organised a webinar to provide further information for affected childminders.
Childcare protocols between Ofsted and other organisations – Updated the ‘Protocol between Ofsted and services managed by local authorities: early years childcare providers’. We have also added the ‘Protocol between Ofsted and services managed by local authorities: children’s social care providers’.