Guidance
Early years inspection: toolkit, operating guide and information
Guidance for inspectors and providers on inspecting registered early years settings in England under the renewed education inspection framework, available for use from 10 November 2025.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
Find guidance for early years inspections in England:
- early years inspection toolkit – what inspectors and early years providers use to discuss the quality of provision on inspection
- early years inspection operating guide – a step-by-step guide for inspectors on how to inspect a registered early years setting
- information about early years inspections – for staff and leaders, parents and carers and the wider public
This guidance will replace the early years inspection handbook from 10 November 2025.
Education inspection framework
The education inspection framework explains why we inspect registered early years settings and other educational provision, including the legal requirements.
Updates to this page
Published 9 September 2025