Published September 3, 2024 Written by Anne-Marie Argile

Ofsted Big Listen response is published

Ofsted has published the results of their ‘Big Listen’, a comprehensive independent consultation across all their inspection remits, including early years.

This was a day after the Government announced it is scrapping one-word judgements for schools with a promise to replace the existing system for early years providers in time.

Following more than 20,000 responses to the consultation from professionals, providers, parents and organisations such as NDNA the results are clear – Ofsted needs to reform.

Headline findings include:

less than half (41%) of professionals from providers inspected by the organisation said they trusted Ofsted
about half of respondents across the schools (48%) and early years sectors (56%) said that inspectors show empathy on inspection
about two in three respondents said that inspectors build positive relationships with leaders and staff: 58% in schools, 61% in early years
75% of early years representatives said that inspectors carry out their inspections with courtesy and respect

Specifically for the early years sector:

Only around 1 in 3 parents and carers (32%) agreed that Ofsted reassures them about the learning and development of children at early years and childcare settings
Parents and carers are not finding the information they need in Ofsted reports to help them decide who to trust with the care of their child.
Six in ten of all the early years professionals surveyed said that Ofsted is helpful in understanding how to improve the quality of provision
Independent research commissioned by Ofsted found that half (49%) of providers opposed the use of single-word judgements and only one in three (33%) supported it
Six in ten early years providers (61%) rate inspectors’ levels of knowledge and expertise as good; one in ten (12%) rate them as poor
Many organisations agreed that Ofsted needs to review its approach to regulating and inspecting multiple providers, such as early years groups or chains. Seven in ten (68%) respondents agreed that Ofsted should inspect early years groups.

Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of NDNA told the press: “The Big Listen was a really important exercise and we are pleased to see a very detailed response to the feedback that has been given to Ofsted. NDNA provided a detailed response following consultation with providers across the early education and care sector.

“We know from our member nurseries that Ofsted inspections can be a particular area of stress and pressure. The result of that inspection can have enormous consequences for a nursery business, both positive and negative.

“We welcome the actions announced by both Ofsted and the Department for Education to look at making significant changes to the inspection regime. The commitment to focus on children’s outcomes is important and gives reassurance to parents about the quality of early education and care at settings.

“Ofsted now needs to re-engage with the sector to develop a fair system built on mutual respect. This needs to support professionals in the sector in delivering the high-quality places we all want to see for our youngest children.

“Now is the time for Ofsted to restore trust among the early years workforce and the parents who need accurate and accessible information to make informed choices. We look forward to working with the DfE and Ofsted to get this right for the early years sector and the children.”

Read Ofsted Response

England

Ofsted Big Listen response is published

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