We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
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.
For use on inspections from 10 November 2025. About this page This…
For use on inspections from 10 November 2025. About this page This page…
This framework sets out Ofsted's inspection principles and the grades that inspectors give.
For use on inspections from 10 November 2025. Introduction The education…
This guidance came into force on 1 September 2023. Introduction The…
This summary of changes applies to the Education inspection framework…
Ofsted-registered childminders, nannies, nurseries and other daycare must use this service to report significant events affecting their childcare within 14 days.
Guidance for childminders, nannies and other registered childcare providers with examples of what Ofsted considers to be a significant event.
Find out whether you need to tell Ofsted about an accident, injury or illness a child suffers while in your care.
Requirements you must meet if you are a childminder and registered with Ofsted on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.
Ofsted's policy on how we regulate childcare providers explains what we may do if a provider is not following the regulations.
Childcare services can display this poster. It has information about our responsibilities and how parents can contact us.
Find out if you have the qualifications and experience to contract as an Ofsted inspector for childminders, day care and other childcare providers.
Guidance on checks we will carry out on anyone associated with Ofsted-registered childcare.
Requirements you must meet if you are an Ofsted-registered out of school club, nursery or other type of daycare on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.
This guidance is for Ofsted inspectors carrying out inspections of providers that are only registered on either or both parts of the Childcare Register.
Nannies registered with Ofsted must follow these requirements.
Requirements you must meet if you are an Ofsted-registered daycare provider on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.
How Ofsted regulates childcare and what parents should do if they have concerns about their provider.
Requirements you must meet if you are a childminder registered with Ofsted on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.
Guidance for applicants on what to expect from Ofsted during the childcare application review process.
Guidance for inspectors on how to decide when to inspect or visit without notice.
Information for providers, parents and carers about what happens when we suspend a childcare provider’s registration.
Your electronic device will need to meet certain specifications to allow you to work as an Ofsted inspector.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab and requires JavaScript).