PVI nurseries will be included in Ofsted reforms but not this year
Ofsted has announced that it will scrap one-word judgements for schools with immediate effect – but this will only include nurseries in schools and maintained nursery schools.
All providers on the early years register – including private, voluntary and independent nurseries – will continue to receive the one-word judgements for this academic year.
However, the Government plans to bring the same changes in for all services that Ofsted inspects including early years in due course. We don’t have those timescales confirmed currently.
NDNA is committed to pushing for reform of Ofsted inspections for all nurseries and early years providers.
Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) said:
“The decision to change one-word judgements for schools, with early years following from next academic year, is welcome news. Reform of Ofsted inspections is overdue and we want to see a focus on children’s experiences and support to settings’ efforts to maintain and improve quality.
“High-quality provision in early education and care is what makes the biggest difference to children’s outcomes and we have called for a review of Ofsted’s process of inspecting in our recent manifesto.
“We know that worrying about inspection outcomes is a source of stress for many people working in early education and care. These changes must lead to a more standardised and fairer approach that focusses on improving quality, consistency in inspections and support for the early years workforce.
“At the same time, the inspections need to reflect the nuances of how many things go into what makes settings high-quality. It is important that parents get a fuller picture of what an early education setting is all about.
“The detail of the plans will be important because providers need to be ready for any changes and involved in the process. However this engagement with the sector must happen quickly to ensure everyone is treated equally. The government must work with the sector to make sure the regulatory framework is fit for purpose, proportionate and has children at the heart of it.”
- England
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