Ofsted inspection ratings at high levels since EYFS in place

The statistics, published by Ofsted last week, are based on the outcomes of 31,877 inspections of childcare providers on the Early Years Register. They show that more than three-quarters of 'non domestic' settings, which include nurseries, are achieving good or outstanding ratings in helping children to feel safe, encouraging children to adopt healthy lifestyles and teaching children how to make a positive contribution.

More than 70 per cent of childminders were achieving good or outstanding ratings for being effective in deploying resources, promoting the welfare of children in the EYFS, helping children to achieve and enjoy their learning and encouraging children to make a positive contribution.

The weakest area for both childminders and non-domestic settings was the effectiveness of self-evaluation, where 54 per cent of childminders and 62 per cent of non-domestic settings achieved good or outstanding.

One third of childminders and 28 per cent of non-domestic settings achieved a satisfactory or inadequate rating for the effectiveness of their safeguarding. Safeguarding and welfare was also the area where the most actions were issued by Ofsted, with 17 per cent of childminders and 12 per cent of non-domestic settings ordered to make improvements.

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, said, 'NDNA is pleased to see the vast majority of providers on non-domestic premises, including nurseries, are achieving well. Nurseries must ensure their safeguarding policies and procedures are fully in place and that staff are aware of processes. NDNA offers a range of support for members on this.'

Further information

'Actions and recommendations at early years inspections at 31 December 2009', www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/20090018