Ofsted's new 'tougher' framework goes live

The new framework, effective from today (4 November), sees the Ofsted rating of ‘satisfactory’ replaced with ‘requires improvement’, bringing early years providers in line with schools.

Settings judged as ‘requires improvement’ will be subject to ‘monitoring’ within six months and re-inspected within a year. They will have two years to achieve an Ofsted grade of good or risk being judged inadequate.

Settings deemed inadequate will be re-inspected within six months rather than the current 12 months.

In August, Sir Michael Wilshaw, HM chief inspector of Ofsted, said that ‘good’ would be the minimum standard expected of nurseries and pre-schools.

The new Ofsted inspection framework also states that inspectors must keep the ‘bigger picture’ in mind and take into account the history of provision, including any concerns, when making their judgement.

Other changes to the framework include an increased emphasis on safeguarding and welfare, a number of references to ‘practice’ replaced by references to teaching, and the removal of references to Development Matters, replaced in some cases by references to Early Years Outcomes.

Along with the revised framework, Ofsted has updated its early years self-evaluation form (EY SEF).

Sue Gregory, Ofsted director of early years, said, ‘Young children deserve the very best start in life and inspection can be a catalyst for improvement.

'Very many nurseries, pre-schools and childminders provide a good or better service, but we want to help others to become good through our inspections. Our revised framework will give further reassurance to parents, and give the early years sector the opportunity to demonstrate that they are providing a high quality service in which young children can develop in a safe environment.'

Liz Bayram, chief executive of the Professional Association of Early Years and Childcare (PACEY), said, ‘PACEY believes that the Ofsted regulation and inspection system is the best way to drive up quality. The new ‘requires improvement’ grading, so long as it is underpinned by robust Ofsted inspection processes, will mean parents better understand what good quality care looks like for their children. It will also encourage more providers to improve.  

‘PACEY is also keen to ensure that inspection judgements remain holistic in their focus. The Early Years Foundation Stage guides childcare professionals to support children's social, emotional and physical development as well as their educational development. We are concerned there is creeping over focus on educational attainment.  PACEY's recent report on school readiness made clear that childcare professionals, parents and teachers, all share the belief that a play-based approach to supporting a child's social and emotional development (so they are confident, independent as well as a curious to learn) was more important than more formalised teaching that supported their basic reading, writing and maths skills at this young age.’

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said, 'We know that excellent early years provision, with highly qualified staff, gives children, particularly those in poverty, a good start on their journey through education.
 
'ATL believes it is vital that the inspectors who are deciding whether provision is good or bad, are qualified and experienced in early years education.'