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1. This handbook describes the main activities that inspectors undertake when they carry out inspections of early years providers in England registered under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006. The handbook also sets out the judgements that inspectors will make and on which they will report.
Early Years Inspection Handbook Download
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Part 3. Applying the education inspection framework (EIF) in different contexts: this includes guidance on how to apply the EIF in specific contexts, such as out-of-school settings and childminders. This part should be read in conjunction with parts 1 and 2
4. Each inspection is unique to the provider and some aspects of our inspections may be different, particularly for childminders. For information on specific inspection processes and procedures for childminders, please see part 3 of this handbook.
6. Inspectors will uphold the highest professional standards in their work. They will treat everyone they meet during inspections fairly and with the respect and sensitivity they deserve. The inspector will work constructively with leaders and staff, demonstrating professionalism, courtesy, empathy and respect at all times.
9. Providers are legally required to provide inspectors with access to information. Section 77 of the Childcare Act 2006 gives our inspectors powers of entry, at any reasonable time, to any premises on which registered early years provision is being provided. It gives them a right to inspect, and take copies of, any records kept by the person providing the childcare, and any other documents containing information relating to the provision. Inspectors also have the power to seize and remove any document or material that may be evidence of a failure to comply with any condition or requirement, take measurements and photographs or make recordings. These powers enable inspectors to look at computers and other devices that may hold relevant information.
12. We may carry out research during our inspections. Where this happens, the research activity will have no impact on inspection judgements. In addition to this research approach, we may invite providers to participate in research visits (separate to inspections) at other times.
14. Our inspections focus on children rather than the individuals who work in settings. However, we will look at how individuals in settings are able to work, or work together, to achieve the highest possible quality of education and care for children.
when making judgements, take a range of evidence into account, including: discussions with leaders, staff and children; the joint learning walk; observations; speaking to parents and so on (see paragraphs 77 to 79)
advocate a particular method of planning, teaching or assessment; it is up to providers to determine their practices and it is up to leaders to justify these on their own merits rather than by referring to this handbook
20. Providers on the Early Years Register will normally be inspected at least once within a 6-year window. We will prioritise the first inspection of newly registered providers on the Early Years Register. This will normally be within 30 months of their registration date.
27. When the inspection follows other regulatory action we have taken, the inspector should check that the provider is compliant with any actions or other enforcement measures that result from that previous action.
30. In either circumstance, the inspection must not be deferred. However, if it becomes clear during the initial notification telephone call that the provider cares for children only on certain days or part-days, the inspection should be scheduled on a day where children are present, if practicable.[footnote 3] While the provider remains registered with us, they should expect to be inspected at any time.
40. Schools that take children aged 2 years and over as part of their early years provision cannot normally register that provision with Ofsted.[footnote 5] We will inspect the provision for these children under the school inspection arrangements.
42. The inspector must prepare for the inspection by gaining a broad overview of the setting, its context and history. As part of this preparation, inspectors must check and evaluate information to inform their areas of inspection focus.
which register(s) the provider is on and confirm that we hold the correct registered/legal entity details; if there is any uncertainty about the registration, the inspector must contact their regional duty desk and try to resolve the issue promptly; if this is not possible, the inspector may delay carrying out the inspection until the matter is resolved
47. In group provision, if the provider or their representative is unavailable when the inspection notification call is made to the setting, the inspector should ask to speak to the most senior member of staff available.
48. If all reasonable steps have been taken to make contact with the setting but the inspector has not been able to speak to anyone, then the inspection will continue the following day without notice.
49. Group providers that do not operate regularly, such as summer play schemes, will usually receive a call no more than 5 days before the inspection to check which days they are operating and whether there are children on roll and present.[footnote 6] The inspector must not specify any proposed dates for the inspection but should indicate the time of day the inspection will start.
check what additional support and/or arrangements for children who need special educational provision, including responses to any emerging needs or difficulties,[footnote 7] or whether any children attending the setting are subject to a child protection plan or child in need plan (see paragraph 76)
51. It may be pragmatic to do some elements of the inspection through video/telephone calls. This will be agreed with the provider at the start of the inspection. We will usually only use video/telephone calls to involve parents/carers and those with leadership responsibility who are unable to attend the setting.
55. Where possible, a setting that has no children present on the planned day of inspection, but is operating at other times during the week, should have its inspection rescheduled for one of those days.
57. We may carry out inspections without notice. This normally, but not exclusively, happens when a provider has been judged as inadequate at its last inspection or when the region decides to carry out an inspection, as a result of a risk assessment. We prioritise inspections of settings that are judged as inadequate and/or because of concerns that have been expressed about a setting. When the inspection is carried out without notice, the inspector will:
refer to any concerns that have led to the inspection being prioritised, remaining mindful of the need to maintain confidentiality and to protect sensitive information and the identities of any complainants
identify children who may need early help, and who are at risk of harm or have been harmed. This can include, but is not limited to, neglect, abuse, grooming, exploitation, sexual abuse and online harm
66. At the heart of our inspections is a professional dialogue between inspectors and leaders. During the inspection, inspectors will need to speak to staff in a range of different roles. They will do so in line with our code of conduct, and at all times act with professionalism, courtesy, empathy and respect.
67. On entering the setting, inspectors must introduce themselves and show the provider their Ofsted identification badge. The inspector must allow the provider time to check the identification (which is the main way to confirm identity) and to contact us to verify it, if they have any concerns. In group settings, the inspector must ensure that the provider has been informed of their arrival.
agreeing the timetable for inspection activities, including a learning walk; joint observations; inspectors must offer the provider or their representative the opportunity to take part in joint observations and their response must be recorded
agreeing that staff (including leaders) may be accompanied by a person of their choice when speaking to inspectors. However it is important that staff are able to express their views freely to inspectors without more senior colleagues present. There may be occasions when the inspector needs to discuss confidential information with staff (including leaders) in private
69. If the inspection is being carried out without notice, the inspector should refer to any concerns that have led to the inspection taking place. The inspector should be aware of the need to maintain confidentiality and to protect fully any sensitive information relating to complainants.
74. These activities enable inspectors to gather evidence to make valid and reliable inspection judgements. They will help the inspector and leaders to establish a constructive and professional dialogue. These activities, part of our inspection methodology, are an effective way of finding out what it is like for a child at that setting. Paragraphs 13 to 17 dispel common misconceptions about inspection that can result in unnecessary workload for providers.
75. The inspector should take careful account of the well-being of leaders and staff. They should adjust their approach or activity, as appropriate, as they go about their inspection work. If the inspector sees that a staff member (including leaders) is upset or distressed at any point during the inspection, they will respond sensitively. Where appropriate, inspectors will consider suitable adjustments to enable the leader or staff member to continue. Inspectors should contact the duty desk to discuss what action to take where practical to do so. 152ee80cbc
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