Ofsted - Meeting the Standards
The Early Years Unit (Development and Foundation Stage teams) provide information, advice and support on all aspects of registration and inspection to day care providers, early education settings and childminders. Their work supports Ofsted’s role in implementing the 14 National Standards for Day Care and the requirements of early education inspections.
For information on Ofsted’s registration and inspection processes click here.
The National Standards have recently been reviewed and minor changes made to the supporting and associated regulations; Ofsted have also revised their guidance on how to respond to these changes.
Since April 2005 the way in which inspections are carried out has also changed. The main changes are that:
- You get little or no notice that Ofsted are coming to carry out an inspection.
- You will be asked to complete a Self-Evaluation Form.
- Ofsted have introduced a new grading scale with four grades: outstanding, good, satisfactory and inadequate.
- Ofsted will inspect your provision at least once every three years and more often in some circumstances.
- If you provide Free Nursery Education for 3 to 4-year-olds, your report will fully integrate our findings on the childcare and nursery education you offer.
Support is provided by:
