The updated Early Years Inspection Toolkit (September 2025) sets out how Ofsted inspects registered early years and childcare provision under the Childcare Act 2006. It’s not just a guide for inspectors – it’s also a practical tool for leaders to support self-evaluation and drive continuous improvement.
1. Gathering Evidence
Inspections focus on real practice – how settings operate day-to-day. Inspectors collect evidence through professional dialogue, observation, and reviewing essential documents. Providers are not expected to create paperwork solely for inspections.
2. Safeguarding
Safeguarding remains the foundation of early years inspections. Inspectors look for:
- A strong safeguarding culture where concerns are raised openly.
- Robust training for all staff.
- Effective information-sharing and safer recruitment.
- Timely identification and protection of children at risk.
Safeguarding is judged separately as either Met or Not Met. If safeguarding is “not met,” the overall inspection outcome is likely to be inadequate, regardless of strengths elsewhere.
3. Inclusion
Inspectors check how well settings support:
- Disadvantaged children (eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium).
- Children with SEND.
- Children known to social care.
- Those facing other barriers to learning and well-being.
Good practice means early identification, high expectations, effective support, and close collaboration with families and professionals.
4. Curriculum and Teaching
A high-quality curriculum is central to inspection. Inspectors consider whether leaders:
- Provide an ambitious, sequenced curriculum aligned with the EYFS.
- Prioritise communication and language.
- Ensure teaching builds knowledge step by step.
- Adapt learning for SEND and disadvantaged children.
5. Achievement
Achievement is measured by how well children progress from their starting points. Inspectors look at whether children develop the essential skills and knowledge they need to be ready for school and lifelong learning.
6. Behaviour, Attitudes and Routines
Inspectors ask whether leaders and staff:
- Set clear expectations for behaviour and attendance.
- Promote positive relationships and self-regulation.
- Work with families to build good habits and routines.
- Create an inclusive, respectful culture where all children thrive.
7. Children’s Welfare and Well-being
This area evaluates how well the setting:
- Builds secure attachments between staff and children.
- Promotes healthy lifestyles, including food, activity, rest, and screen time.
- Creates a nurturing, inclusive environment where children feel safe and valued.
8. Leadership and Governance
Strong leadership means ensuring continuous improvement, supporting staff, working with families, and embedding accountability. Inspectors will judge how effectively leaders create the conditions for children to flourish.
📝 The New Inspection Report Card and Judgments
The 2025 toolkit introduces a new inspection report card to provide clearer, more transparent outcomes. Each of the seven evaluation areas is judged on this scale:
- Exceptional – Outstanding practice sustained over time, with leaders having a transformational impact, particularly for disadvantaged and SEND children. Best practice is shared across the sector.
- Strong Standard – The setting goes beyond compliance; high expectations and consistent quality make a significant positive difference.
- Expected Standard – Requirements are consistently met, providing a solid education and care offer. Leaders act quickly to address areas for development.
- Needs Attention – Some weaknesses mean the expected standard is not fully met, though children’s safety and welfare are not at serious risk.
- Urgent Improvement – Breaches of EYFS requirements have a serious impact on safety, well-being, or learning. Immediate action is required.
🔒 Safeguarding is judged separately as either Met or Not Met.
Each inspection report now includes:
- A headline grade for each evaluation area.
- A clear safeguarding outcome.
- A short narrative on strengths, areas for development, and impact on children.
This approach moves away from a simple 4-point scale and gives families, providers, and professionals a more nuanced picture of quality.
Why It Matters
The Early Years Inspection Toolkit is more than a compliance checklist – it’s a roadmap for quality provision. By focusing on safeguarding, inclusion, curriculum, achievement, behaviour, welfare, and leadership, it ensures that every child has the best chance to thrive.
The new inspection report card gives parents clearer information and helps leaders identify whether their setting is meeting expectations, excelling, or in need of urgent improvement.
👉 In short, the toolkit brings sharper accountability but also clearer guidance – helping providers deliver high-quality early years experiences that prepare children not just for school, but for life.
📘 Access the Toolkit
Access the Early years inspection: toolkit, operating guide and information, here:
👉 Early years inspection: toolkit, operating guide and information – GOV.UK
Access the videos: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ofsted-confirms-changes-to-education-inspection-and-unveils-new-look-report-cards
