Looking further at the Common inspection Framework changes

The changes were introduced in September 2015, the changes meant early years settings were to be inspected slightly different.

The framework now allows parents to compare judgements between settings, which is a positive for parents when choosing childcare or schools for their children. Also there will be no differences when a child moves from one setting to another.

Ofsted’s national director for early years, Nick Hudson, said: “September has been a very exciting time for Ofsted as we introduced a Common Inspection Framework for all education remits.

Ofsted inspectors will inspect against four key judgements and the same common inspection framework will apply to all early years registered providers.

Many settings will have already faced the new inspection and hopefully been pleased with their outcome.

What have the changes meant for early years settings?

Ofsted have moved away from meeting the needs judgements, they are now placing strong emphasis on how leaders are developing and sustaining a strong vision throughout the setting.

Inspections are tailored to take into account when inspecting early years provisions, Ofsted will ensure that inspectors have more experiences and understanding of early years.

For many managers and owners its about looking at what has actually changed and realising that not much of the framework has changed, the changes to be aware of are;

• Inspectors will look at the suitability of the curriculum
• They will carry out shorter inspections for settings who are graded ‘Good’
• A greater focus on the settings SEND provision
• Inspectors will want to see how managers are promoting British values in the setting
• Safeguarding arrangements

For early years settings a greater emphasis is on the importance of  Safeguarding children, how children are being supporting in their learning and the accessibility and range of activities offered. Click here to read a letter from HMCI outlining the changes the Ofsted Common Inspection Framework will bring

Knowing this information it is up to managers to ensure that these are being implemented into the setting.

Settings are now receiving judgements on the following areas;

• Effectiveness of leadership and management

• Quality of teaching, learning and assessment

• Personal development, behaviour and welfare

• Outcomes for children and learners

The Common Inspection framework states: “Inspection is primarily about evaluating how well individual children and learners benefit from the education provided by the setting. Inspections test the provider’s response to individual needs by observing how well it helps all children and learners to make progress and fulfil their potential.”

Welcoming the changes, Michael Freeston, director of Quality Improvement at the Pre-school Learning Alliance, added: “The changes to the Common Inspection Framework aligns inspections across all education remits. An Ofsted inspection should be an opportunity for providers to present settings at their best.

Click here to read more about the Common Inspection Framework

Are settings seeing these changes as a positive or a negative is the question, we would love to hear your views……