Ofsted ready
Once a provider is registered on the Ofsted Early Years Register, Ofsted carries out regular inspections to evaluate the overall quality and standards of its early years provision in line with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Providers on the Early Years Register will normally be inspected at least once within a four-year period. Ofsted prioritises the first inspection of newly registered providers, which will usually take place within 18 months of registration.
Preparing for Inspection
Preparing for an Ofsted inspection should be part of your everyday practice. The strongest providers can clearly demonstrate how they meet the requirements of the EYFS and how they support children to learn, develop and stay safe.
The resources below will help you reflect on your provision, identify areas for development and understand what inspectors may focus on during an inspection.
Use the EYFS as Your Starting Point
Ensure that you, your staff and anyone working with children in your provision understand the statutory requirements of the EYFS.
Including:
- safeguarding and welfare requirements
- learning and development requirements
- assessment arrangements
- supporting children's progress and development
- working in partnership with parents and other professionals
Safeguarding is a key part of every inspection.
All providers, staff and anyone working with children in your provision should be confident in:
- Recognising signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect
- Understanding and following safeguarding procedures
- Reporting concerns promptly and appropriately
- Managing allegations and whistleblowing concerns
- Keeping children safe online
- Maintaining a safe and secure environment for children
Every child should be able to access and benefit from the opportunities you provide.
Consider how you:
- identify children's individual needs at the earliest opportunity
- support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- use the graduated approach to assess, plan, do and review support
- reduce barriers to learning and participation
- work effectively with parents, carers and other professionals
- ensure all children feel valued, included and supported to succeed
Inspectors will want to understand the curriculum you deliver and the impact it has on children's learning and development.
Be prepared to explain:
- what you want children to learn during their time with you
- how your curriculum supports children's development over time
- how communication and language development are promoted throughout the day
- how routines, play opportunities and activities help children make progress
- how you identify children's next steps and support them to achieve these
- how you adapt practice to meet the needs of individual children
Children should be at the heart of everything you do.
Consider how you:
- get to know children as individuals
- monitor and support children's learning and development
- identify and address gaps in learning
- celebrate children's achievements and progress
- work in partnership with parents, carers and other professionals
- support children's confidence, independence and readiness for their next stage of learning
Inspectors will consider how you promote positive behaviour and help children develop socially and emotionally.
Consider how you:
- support children to understand expectations and boundaries
- promote positive behaviour and respectful relationships
- help children develop self-regulation and resilience
- encourage independence and confidence
- establish consistent routines that support learning and wellbeing
- create a welcoming environment where children feel safe and valued
Children's welfare and wellbeing should be central to your practice.
Consider how you:
- build secure and trusting relationships with children
- support children's emotional wellbeing and sense of belonging
- promote healthy lifestyles, including healthy eating and physical activity
- encourage good oral health habits
- meet children's care needs effectively
- create an environment where children feel safe, secure and supported
Providers should be able to demonstrate how they monitor and improve the quality of their provision.
Consider:
- what your strengths are and how you know this
- how you identify areas for development
- how training and professional development improve practice
- how you seek the views of children, parents and staff
- how changes made have positively impacted outcomes for children
- how leaders, managers, assistants or co-childminders contribute to continuous improvement
The planning call helps inspectors understand your provision before the inspection begins.
Be prepared to discuss:
- your setting's unique context
- an overview of your curriculum
- your strengths and priorities for improvement
- your approach to inclusion and meeting children's individual needs
- any significant changes since your last inspection
- practical arrangements for the inspection
Other information to have available for planning call or inspection
Before an inspection, ensure key information is organised and easily accessible.
Including:
- children's attendance information
- staff qualifications and training records, where applicable
- staff DBS details
- paediatric first aid certificates
- safeguarding policies and procedures
- information relating to children receiving additional support
- contact details for leaders, managers, assistants or other adults working within the provision, where relevant
The Early Years inspection toolkit can help you to:
- Understand what inspectors may focus on during inspection
- Reflect on your curriculum and practice
- Review safeguarding arrangements
- Consider inclusion and support for children with additional needs
- Prepare for professional discussions with inspectors
- Demonstrate the impact of your provision on children's learning, development and wellbeing
- Identify strengths and areas for further improvement
Focus on your everyday practice
Inspection preparation is not about creating additional paperwork or producing documents specifically for Ofsted.
Whether you are a childminder, nursery, pre-school or other early years provider, the focus should be on ensuring your everyday practice meets the requirements of the EYFS and demonstrates the positive difference you make to children's learning, development, wellbeing and safety.
Useful resources
Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shows the standards that school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.
You can find guidance for inspectors and providers on inspecting registered early years settings in England by visiting Early Years Inspection Toolkit, Operating Guide and Information.
Resources, activities and support articles for childminders and practitioners working with children aged 0 to 5 years can be found on DfE help for early years providers.
Last updated 03 September 2026