Early years more positive than schools about new Ofsted inspections
Independent research for Ofsted found most providers felt inspections under the renewed framework were respectful and collaborative, but workload and wellbeing remain the main challenge.
At a glance
early years settings agreeing inspectors took account of context
- Early years settings reacted more positively than schools to Ofsted's renewed inspection framework, independent research found.
- Some 77% of early years settings said their report card gave an accurate account, compared with 69% of schools.
- Four in 10 providers said inspection negatively affected their own or staff's mental wellbeing 'a fair amount' or 'a lot'.
Update: This article was updated on 14 October 2026 to add the response from the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA).
Early years settings reacted more positively than schools to Ofsted's renewed inspection framework, according to independent research published by Ofsted.
Ofsted began inspecting under its renewed education inspection framework (EIF) in England in November 2025. Routine inspections started in January 2026.
The research, by the independent agency IFF Research, is based on 699 survey responses about inspections published before the end of May 2026. It also draws on focus groups and interviews.
What early years settings said
- 79% agreed inspectors sought to understand their context and took account of it, compared with 65% of schools.
- 72% agreed inspectors worked with them to identify areas for development or priorities for improvement.
- 72% said inspectors took actions to minimise stress and anxiety, compared with 62% of schools.
- 77% said their report card gave an accurate account of their provision for children, compared with 69% of schools.
The report also found early years settings were more likely than schools and further education providers to find the workload caused by inspection manageable.
Across all providers, 88% agreed their inspection was conducted respectfully, 76% collaboratively and 78% empathetically, Ofsted said.
Challenges remain
Ofsted said workload and wellbeing remain the clearest challenges. Four out of 10 providers said inspection negatively affected their own or their staff's mental wellbeing 'a fair amount' or 'a lot'.
Response rates varied between types of provider, and were 22% among early years settings. The report says this means overall findings are more representative of some types of provider than others.
“The data published today shows that we are on the right track. We are inspecting first and foremost in the interests of children and maintaining high standards, while at the same time improving the experience for the hard-working professionals in our nurseries, schools and colleges.”
A full report covering the first full year of inspections under the renewed framework will be published in 2027.
On 14 October, the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) responded to the research. It said the findings echo much of the feedback it has heard from providers, but that consistency still needs to improve.
“While many people have positive experiences there are still too many who do not, showing that the consistency of inspectors’ approaches and judgements still needs to be improved.”
For your setting
What this means for your setting
Tick things off as you go. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Does this apply in Scotland? This research is about Ofsted inspections in England.
Want stories like this every Monday?
One email with the week's news for your nation and a short list of things to do.
Sources
- Independent research finds Ofsted's new-look inspections are more collaborative and respectfulOfsted · 9 October 2026
- Evaluation of Ofsted's renewed approach to education inspection: summary of interim findingsOfsted · 9 October 2026
- More to do to get Ofsted inspections right despite positive signsNational Day Nurseries Association · 14 October 2026
Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will put it right.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Licence.
Hubba Training
Keep your whole team up to date
- 56 short courses written for early years, in England and Scotland editions
- A certificate the moment each person finishes
- A training matrix that shows who is in date
On Premium. No card needed.
