New Early Years Inspection Toolkit:
Key Updates from the Department for Education and Ofsted (September 2025)

 

The Department for Education and Ofsted have released an updated Early Years Inspection Toolkit which provides comprehensive guidance on what inspectors will assess during visits to nurseries, childminders, and other early years providers from November, 2025 onwards.

At Hello Mums by Tembo Care, we've created a video and audio guide to help you understand the significant changes. While we don't cover every detail, we highlight the most crucial aspects that demand your attention.


Key Takeaways from the New Toolkit

The updated framework focuses on seven main evaluation areas:

1. Safeguarding

Creating an open culture where concerns can be raised.
Safer recruitment and timely referrals to outside agencies.
Ongoing training so staff know their responsibilities and feel confident to act.

2. Inclusion

High expectations for disadvantaged children, those with SEND, and children known to social care.
Early identification of needs, reducing barriers to learning, and involving parents in decisions.
Effective use of Early Years Pupil Premium.

3. Curriculum and Teaching

A carefully sequenced curriculum based on child development.
Strong focus on communication and language.
Practitioners adapting teaching to meet different needs and stages.

4. Achievement

Children should “know more, remember more, and do more.”
Progress measured from starting points across all 7 EYFS areas.
Particular focus on supporting those at risk of falling behind.

5. Behaviour, Attitudes and Routines

Consistent expectations for behaviour and attendance.
Supporting children to manage feelings, build resilience, and develop positive habits.
Strong partnerships with parents to reinforce routines.

6. Children’s Welfare and Well-being

Promoting secure attachments, healthy habits, and safe choices.
Inclusive environments that celebrate diversity.
Tailored care practices, especially for babies’ routines.

7. Leadership and Governance

Clear vision, high expectations, and effective improvement planning.
Strong staff development and workload management.
Positive engagement with parents, communities, and professionals.

What This Means for You

This new toolkit provides a clearer, more detailed inspection framework.
Leaders can also use it for self-evaluation and continuous improvement and not just inspections.

We strongly recommend watching (or listening to) our Tembo Care video and audio guide, where we break down these sections in simple, practical terms.

👉Watch here:
Early Years Inspection toolkit
👉Or listen here:
Early Years Inspection toolkit

You can read the full guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-inspection-toolkit-operating-guide-and-information?fbclid=IwdGRleAMsrzNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhJ49hbRw4r1WRbmNLLZiSfTqaJyCvRN_vx93PJEythBAgZj3KYruJGDMLrX_aem_TqG3MI8A-kFk52DRIqr8ow