Ofsted are the childcare regulators and they register new provision and inspect childcare settings. The Ofsted website has lots of useful information for childcare providers.
Ofsted also have a YouTube channel they update regularly with helpful videos. You can access the Ofsted news - YouTube channel.
Early years foundation stage (EYFS) for childminders and group based providers: EYFS statutory framework - GOV.UK.
Latest information from Ofsted
New Ofsted safeguarding requirements from September 2025
The EYFS Safeguarding reforms have not yet been published but you can find the consultation responses here: Early Years Foundation Stage safeguarding reforms - consultation response GOV.UK
Providers, please check our weekly SLW bulletin for updates and you can contact your linked Quality Development Advisor for more support.
Guidance for inspectors undertaking inspection under the education inspection framework.
Ofsted blog
Ofsted regularly share posts on this early years blog since launching it last year. Here are some key posts:
Childcare Works toolkit
The Childcare Works HUB hosts resources that will support providers to deliver the expansion of childcare. The early years and wraparound toolkits will be regularly updated with both new Childcare Works resources and links to other organisations. Some of the resources include, vodcasts, blogs, top tips, business care, templates and case studies.
National Day Nursery Association
Free e-safety briefing – online course
Full and relevant qualifications
The National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) defines the full and relevant qualifications that practitioners must hold, you can access useful information on the check early years qualifications - GOV.UK.
Early years annual report 2023 to 2024
You can read the first annual report from His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills. The 2023/24 report outlines Ofsted main priorities which includes, identifying the gaps in the system through which children might fall and highlight the opportunities that exist to improve their life chances. Secondly focusing on the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children.
You can read the annual report here: Ofsted annual report 2023/24 - GOV.UK
Complaints against providers
Ofsted have confirmed that complaints made against early years providers that result in a compliance investigation will no longer automatically trigger a full inspection. They said that they will be looking at each case on its merits, carry out a risk assessment and if they believe it to be necessary will undertake a full inspection.
Ofsted early years inspection framework
The education inspection framework (‘the framework’) sets out how Ofsted inspects registered early years settings and independent schools in England.
The early years inspection framework details what an early years provider has to do to be rated outstanding or good. Ofsted have published guidance for inspectors.
Ofsted inspectors use a four-point grading scale for each of the three key judgements they make and the overall effectiveness of the provision. The grades are:
- Grade 1: outstanding
- Grade 2: good
- Grade 3: requires improvement
- Grade 4: inadequate
At the end of the inspection, inspectors give feedback on their findings and judgements to the childminder or, in group settings, to the most appropriate person - usually the registered provider, their nominee or the day-to-day manager. They also explain what needs to be done to improve aspects of the provision.
Ofsted is consulting on a new approach to inspecting education providers and the introduction of report cards. You can read the press release here: Ofsted sets out proposals for fairer education inspections and new, more detailed report cards.
Good practice
Help for early years providers: Get help for your setting.
Ofsted inspection: what early years providers and practitioners need to know
Ofsted have published a webpage containing answers to a range of questions they are commonly asked about delivering the EYFS and their inspections. Ofsted inspections: what EY providers and practitioners need to know.
You can also watch a collection of short videos answering some of the most common questions about inspection of early years provision. A full list of questions can be read here.
Ofsted inspection complaints process - a handy guide for early years settings
Ofsted has changed the way that it handles complaints. There are now three steps:
- If you are unhappy with the way the inspection was carried out and/or the resulting grade, contact Ofsted, so that they can start dealing with the complaint. You should then be sent a draft inspection report. Ofsted aims for 18 days but this is getting drawn out due to backlogs. Following this, if you are unhappy with the report you have ten working days from publication of the report to submit a step two complaint.
- Ofsted have 30 working days to investigate a step two complaint and write to the provider with the outcome. If you are still unhappy with the outcome you have 15 working days to lodge a step three complaint with Ofsted.
- At this stage, Ofsted will carry out an internal review and will look into the step two investigation. Ofsted will then write to you, normally within 30 working days with its decision. If you are still unsatisfied at this point the only step left in this process is to refer the complaint to the Independent Complaints Adjudication Service for Ofsted. This service has a limited remit in that it effectively only looks at the conduct of the inspectors and is unable to reverse earlier decision making by Ofsted.
It is possible to bring a court case against Ofsted before the high court which is a judicial review action. Judicial review is the means by which the High Court examines the acts and/or omissions of a public body. It is not a process of appeal and therefore, the court will not substitute its own view on the matter in question. Rather, it is a review of the legality of the act or decision in question.
Ofsted Helpline 0300 1231231, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Complain about Ofsted (for events that took place after 4 April 2024) - GOV.UK.
Useful reminders
- Paediatric first aid must be kept up to date even if you have no children on role or if you are taking a break but remaining registered
- A childminder who is working with an assistant or assistants must not leave them with any children on their own for more than two hours per day and you must have permission from the parent
- Your assistant can register in their own right as a childminder to enable them to look after children on their own. However, you may need to contact your local authority planning department for information regarding planning permission depending on the numbers of children you are registered for. This may also affect your tenancy or leasehold arrangements.
- Public liability insurance should state the correct number of children that you are providing care for.
- Children who attend your childminding setting, who are aged four years and in full-time education may be counted in your over fives, but will be counted in your five to eight years age group.
- Ofsted's preferred method of communication is electronic, their email address is: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk however, you will be asked what your preferred method is.
- If you are an Ofsted-registered provider, you must notify Ofsted of any serious childcare incident within 14 days. This includes: a child’s serious accident, injury or illness while being looked after the death of a child while in your care any significant event that may affect someone’s suitability to look after or be in regular contact with children
any allegations of serious harm and abuse by anyone living, working or looking after children on the premises. Ofsted have published guidance which gives more detail on the types of incidents you must tell them about and how to report them.
- Ofsted must also be informed of any significant event that is likely to affect the suitability of individuals to care for, or be in regular contact with, children. Ofsted need to know about these events, even if they happen:
General update information
- Ofsted will no longer be vetting managers unless they are the owner as well as the manager, which means a system needs to be in place for checking the suitability of your manager. This could be when a new establishment is developed or a change of manager.
- Settings are expected to deal with minor complaints themselves, for example Ofsted may contact you by telephone and ask what you have done about a particular issue. If Ofsted feel that the concern or complaint is potentially a risk to children or a deterioration in provision, then this may trigger a full inspection.
- Keep checking the Ofsted website as there are many new documents or revisions that will keep you updated on the change.
This page was last updated on 19 March 2025