Ofsted updates early years inspection handbook ahead of EYFS reforms

The inspectorate re-introduced early years inspections in some settings last month, and has updated guidance for inspections that will take place from 1 September 2021.

Ofsted resumed full graded early inspection framework (EIF) inspections in early years on 4 May. More details on how providers will be inspected from May can be found in Ofsted’s coronavirus (Covid-19) rolling update.

The Department for Education has confirmed that the Early Years Foundation Stage disapplications are due to come to an end of 31 August in an update to the statutory guidance.

However, the disapplications may end sooner. Should all coronavirus restrictions be lifted on 19 July, the DfE suggest, the conditions under which disapplications were granted would no longer apply. This is also set to apply to disapplications relating to Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificates.

As well as changes to EYFS disapplications, the updates include:

• Changes to ensure the handbook reflects the latest version of the EYFS framework (2021), which comes into force on 1 September.
• Clarification on Ofsted's requirements for inspection intended to dispel myths about inspection that can result in unnecessary workload for providers (e.g. on paperwork that is required during an inspection).
• Changes to grade descriptors, to ensure these take account of personal development for early years professionals at every level.
• Clarification of how inspections are prioritised by Ofsted.

Summary of main changes to the Early Years Inspection Handbook

The ‘Inspection and the Covid-19 (coronavirus)’ section has been updated to outline the additional considerations for inspections, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and as we continue to emerge from it.

Ofsted said, ‘In line with our approach since we returned to routine inspection on 4 May, all inspections will be on-site. There are no changes to inspection policy or methodology.’

This section also covers the disapplications and modifications to the EYFS requirements (due to end on 31 August).

‘There is no change to inspection policy and we continue to inspect in line with the principles and requirements of the EYFS,‘ Ofsted said.

‘We will want to know if a provider has previously relied on the disapplications so we are able to understand the context of where they are now.

‘We won’t judge providers on what they were doing previously, even if they were disapplying or relying on modifications.

‘We will look at whether any previous reliance on the disapplications or modifications is having an impact on the provision and on the children who attend the setting.’

Ofsted also said it would ‘look at what the provider is doing to get back on track, how it’s addressing any gaps in learning and ensuring the children are ready for their next stage of education. We don’t expect to see any paperwork or “evidence” about why or how providers relied on the disapplications.’ 

Changes to grades

Ofsted has made some changes to the ‘outstanding’ and ‘good’ grade descriptors for personal development. This is to ensure we reflect the revisions to personal, social and emotional development in the EYFS and the outcomes of our Sexual Abuse Review.

The updated criteria mean that the early years grade descriptors are fully aligned with the Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and schools.

‘By making these changes we are ensuring all children are offered the rich set of experiences that promote understanding and respect for people, families and communities beyond their own and prepare all children for life in modern Britain,’ Ofsted said.

The updated handbook also has a new section 'Clarification for providers’, which Ofsted said would ‘support our continued work on myth-busting about inspection that can result in unnecessary workload and give reassurance to providers’.

Stella Ziolkowski, the National Day Nurseries Association's director of quality and training, said, 'The updates to the handbook will mean a reduced workload burden for practitioners. With the launch of Birth to 5 Matters, Development Matters and EYFS training for the revised EYFS 2021, there are lots of support and resources available that will help practitioners plan for individual children’s development and assessment.

'With the additional workload created as a result of the pandemic, we welcome that fact Ofsted does not want to create unnecessary workload for practitioners. 

'However this does not mean that records will not need to be in place, but that inspectors will not want to see them. Inspectors will be more interested in speaking to practitioners about their key children. Practitioners know their children well and how to support their next steps and will need to be confident in verbally articulating this at inspection. 

'We know that any big changes bring their own challenges so we have developed a range of training on the revised EYFS and resources to support our nurseries and their practitioners. They will still need to carry out observations on their children and record these, but it will be up to setting leaders to decide how they do this.'

• Download a summary of the changes and the full Early Years Inspection handbook.