Updated inspection guidance

[FSFRebecca]

The updated inspection guidance has been released today:

The changes are as follows - 

3 April 2018 Paragraph 4 updated to reflect current inspection cycle. Paragraphs 37 & 59 amended for the removal of the Ofsted self-evaluation form (SEF) and confirming there is no requirement for self-evaluation to be written. Paragraph 109 clarification that it is an offence to fail to notify Ofsted of a significant event or fail to comply with a condition of registration, ‘without good reason’. Paragraph 113 deleted final sentence to remove duplication. Paragraph 107 provides guidance of when an inspector should contact ARC about an inadequate judgement. Paragraph 121 further clarification to confirm that we do not make the judgement on ‘outcomes for children’ for providers who provide care exclusively before or after school for younger than Reception aged children. Paragraph 134 inspection managers added to those who may undertake quality assurance of inspections. Paragraphs 148 & 170 references to ‘narrowing gaps’ amended to ‘reduce any differences’. Paragraph 153 minor amendment to the final bullet in good grade descriptors for effectiveness of leadership and management to more accurately reflect descriptors for overall effectiveness. Deleted ‘the setting meets the statutory safeguarding requirements’. N.B Inspectors should continue to refer to guidance in paragraphs 100 to 104 of what they should do when they find a provider is not meeting a requirement.

3 April 2018 Paragraph 4 updated to reflect current inspection cycle. Paragraphs 37 & 59 are amended due to reparation for the removal of the Ofsted self-evaluation form (SEF) and confirming there is no requirement for self-evaluation to be written. Paragraph 109 clarification that it is an offence to fail to notify Ofsted of a significant event or fail to comply with a condition of registration, ‘without good reason’. Paragraph 113 deleted final sentence to remove duplication. Paragraph 107 provides guidance of when an inspector should contact ARC about an inadequate judgement. Paragraph 121 further clarification to confirm that we do not make the judgement on ‘outcomes for children’ for providers who provide care exclusively before or after school for younger than Reception aged children. Paragraph 134 inspection managers added to those who may undertake quality assurance of inspections. Paragraphs 148 & 170 references to ‘narrowing gaps’ amended to ‘reduce any differences’. Paragraph 153 minor amendment to the final bullet in good grade descriptors for effectiveness of leadership and management to more accurately reflect descriptors for overall effectiveness. Deleted ‘the setting meets the statutory safeguarding requirements’. N.B Inspectors should continue to refer to guidance in paragraphs 100 to 104 of what they should do when they find a provider is not meeting a requirement.

3 April 2018 Updated the handbook to confirm that Ofsted doesn't require a written self-evaluation form, or SEF, from April 2018 onwards.

You can access the document here Early years inspection handbook