Early Years Foundation

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For more information, please email [email protected] or text/WhatsApp 07716921007

For a chat and for more information - please email [email protected] or text/WhatsApp 07716 921007 - non obligation, friendly and informal ... comments on this post are not monitored - queries are direct to email/text/WhatsApp to ensure they don't get missed :)

For more information, advice or support, please email [email protected]

Please note, to ensure that all queries are fully responded to, all queries are directed via email - comments on posts are not monitored.

For any questions, help or advice, please feel free to email [email protected] or text/WhatsApp 07716921007

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3Swxe41jWk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSgASYBEwoM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XwPN2coqRE

Studying the new Ofsted Inspection Toolkit: the current (pre-10th November 2025) Inspection Handbook - comprises 'Inspection Judgements' that will be replaced with 'Evaluation Areas'. The inspection toolkit provides 'standards' for grading each Evaluation Area. Unlike currently, there will be no judgement for 'overall effectiveness' under the changes to inspections.

The new (from 10th November 2025) 'inspection toolkit' and 'operating guide' can be found by clicking on the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-inspection-toolkit-operating-guide-and-information

Studying the new Ofsted Early Years Inspection Toolkit: the new inspection standards are graded as: 'expected', 'strong' and 'exceptional' ... but what happens when there isn't sufficient evidence to show that the 'expected standard' has been met?

Message to my colleagues, after taking some time to research and reflect on the new Ofsted inspection documents. I understand the pressure and that this is often intensified by such rapid and frequent changes - but after delving into and dissecting the new Ofsted inspection guidance documents (and what it would look like in 'real life'; where it counts; when applied in the setting during inspection; when you're stood in front of your hard work and your fantastic team), i'll say two things: one: there are some very welcome changes so far as defining mutual respect and conduct, which cannot hurt the need to be empathetic and compassionate at all times (Ofsted state that they want to see 'typicality' how can they gain those relevant observations and undertake those professional discussions, if the team don't feel at ease) ... and two: we are such a conscientious sector, that we are already successfully applying and implementing the core standards and principles outlined in the revised inspection documents - well done, everyone, don't be disheartened by another change; know that your heart has to be in the right place to begin with in order to work in such a demanding sector. We don't shy away from challenge because we know the cost to children by not doing our best at all times - so keep that integrity foremost when embracing any changes that arise. You know your children and their families and you know the impact of your provision well; your knowledge of this is outstanding - move forward with change on that basis - that's the basis to any vision you may have regardless to the diverse range of settings our children and families are lucky to have access to. Keep up the great work.

Early years inspection: toolkit, operating guide and information Guidance for inspectors and providers on inspecting registered early years settings in England under the renewed education inspection framework, available for use from 10 November 2025.