Ofsted Inspections: How Trustees Can Prepare in Early Years and Childcare Settings

Ofsted inspections play a vital role in early years and childcare settings, acting as a means of accountability while providing a framework for ongoing quality improvement.

Trustees are fundamental to the effective governance of early years and childcare providers, ensuring that these environments are managed strategically and remain fully compliant with Ofsted’s Early Years Inspection Handbook.

By preparing thoroughly, trustees can not only influence inspection outcomes for the better but also drive the continuous development and delivery of excellent early years provision.

Understanding Ofsted's Expectations of Trustees in Early Years

During inspections, Ofsted inspectors closely examine the governance arrangements of early years and childcare settings.

The Nominated Person for Ofsted takes the lead during inspections, acting as the main point of contact and spokesperson for the setting. As the registered provider, trustees must ensure that the Nominated Person is well prepared and equipped to respond to inspectors’ questions.

If a trustee is not acting as the Nominated Person, it is vital that they maintain appropriate oversight of the inspection process, supporting the Nominated Person and ensuring that governance responsibilities are properly fulfilled.

Trustees are expected to provide clear evidence that they understand and oversee the effectiveness of the provision. It is important for trustees to be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the setting’s key strengths, identify areas that require improvement, and articulate the strategic direction being pursued.

Additionally, trustees must be familiar with their statutory responsibilities as outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

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Key Areas Trustees Should Focus On

• Quality of Education: Trustees should be able to explain how they monitor and support improvements in the setting’s learning and development programme. A thorough understanding of how the EYFS curriculum is delivered and how children’s progress is assessed is essential.

• Safeguarding: Trustees are responsible for ensuring that robust safeguarding policies and procedures are in place. They must ensure that staff receive appropriate training and that there is a strong culture of safeguarding throughout the setting, as safeguarding is central to all Ofsted judgements in early years.

• Inclusion and Welfare: Trustees should know how the setting meets the needs of all children, including those with special educational needs, disabilities, or from disadvantaged backgrounds. They should also be aware of how children’s welfare and well-being are prioritised within the setting.

• Financial Management: Trustees are charged with ensuring that resources are used efficiently to provide high-quality experiences for children. They should be prepared to discuss how financial decisions support day-to-day provision.

• Vision and Strategy: Trustees must be able to clearly state their vision for the setting and explain how their strategic planning supports ongoing improvements in outcomes for both children and families.

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Practical Steps Trustees Can Take to Prepare

• Review Key Documentation: Trustees should ensure they are up-to-date with all relevant policies, safeguarding records, staff training logs, and the setting’s self-evaluation form (SEF). Being familiar with the previous Ofsted inspection report and the current improvement plan is also crucial.

• Attend Relevant Training: Participating in ongoing training covering early years governance, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements helps trustees to remain confident and well-informed.

• Engage With Stakeholders: Trustees should understand how feedback from children, families, and staff is gathered and used to inform provision. Being prepared to discuss these engagement processes with inspectors is advantageous.

• Prepare for Inspector Meetings: Trustees may meet inspectors, but the Nominated Person for Ofsted will usually take the lead. Practising responses to likely questions and making sure all trustees have a shared understanding of key messages is helpful, both for supporting the Nominated Person and ensuring consistency in the information provided.

• Maintain Regular Communication: Open channels of communication with the manager and staff team are important. Trustees should stay informed about ongoing developments and provide support and effective oversight, particularly in relation to the inspection process.

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Common Questions Trustees Might Face

• How does your setting ensure the EYFS requirements are fully met?

• What are the main strengths and areas for development in your provision?

• How do you monitor safeguarding and staff training?

• How is inclusion promoted for all children, including those with SEND or from disadvantaged backgrounds?

• What evidence can you give of continuous improvement in outcomes for children?

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Final Thoughts

While Ofsted inspections in early years and childcare settings can be daunting, they offer an important opportunity for trustees to showcase effective governance and the positive impact of their support.

By focusing on these key priorities, maintaining robust self-evaluation processes, and engaging in regular training, trustees can approach inspections with assurance and confidence, fully prepared to champion the early education and care of children.

Trustees should support the Nominated Person throughout the inspection, maintaining oversight and providing input where needed, to ensure governance standards are upheld.

Are you a member of The Leadership Collective? If so you can access my What to do When Ofsted Calls guide to further help you prepare. For more information and to join The Leadership Collective click here.