Changes to early years inspection windows
From April 2026, Ofsted will start to inspect early education and childcare providers more frequently. The change to a 4-year inspection window is part of the Department for Education and Ofsted’s shared commitment to provide parents with more up-to-date information and reassurance about the quality and safety of their child’s early education and care.
Each provider on the Early Years Register will be inspected at least once by March 2030 and then again with a 4-year period, replacing the current 6-year window. If there are concerns about a provider, inspectors will of course visit more frequently.
The inspection of newly registered providers will also happen more quickly. From April, Ofsted will usually inspect a new provider within 18 months of registration.
The new inspection windows will be phased in gradually. Providers who have already been inspected under the previous arrangements will gradually transition to the new 4-year window before 2030.
Find out more about the changes and read the updated FAQs blog here: