Group based settings

Early years inspection handbook

This handbook describes the main activities that inspectors undertake when they carry out inspections of early years providers in England registered under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006. The handbook also sets out the judgements that inspectors will make and on which they will report.

The handbook has 3 parts:

  • Part 1. How we will inspect Ofsted-registered early years providers: this contains instructions and guidance for inspectors on preparing for and carrying out early years registered inspections

  • Part 2. The evaluation schedule: this contains guidance for inspectors on judging the quality and standards of Ofsted-registered early years settings and indicates the main types of evidence used

  • Part 3. Applying the education inspection framework (EIF) in different contexts: this includes guidance on how to apply the EIF in specific contexts, such as out-of-school settings and childminders. This part should be read in conjunction with parts 1 and 2

This handbook is primarily a guide for inspectors on how to carry out inspections of registered early years providers. 

Early years inspection handbook - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Recommendations in recent Ofsted inspections for group based settings in Shropshire 2024 - 2025

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