Ofsted Pilot Inspections:
What Early Years Settings Have Learned So Far

 

The new Ofsted Early Years inspection framework is already live and the pilot inspections have given us a clear picture of what’s changing, what inspectors are focusing on, and how nurseries really experienced the process.

If you’ve been waiting for real-world insight rather than theory, this is the blog you need. I’ve pulled together everything: my full training day notes, inspector comments, sector feedback, your shared experiences, and Ofsted’s own operating guide and the picture is much more positive, human and collaborative than many expected.

Let’s break down what we now know.

Across every pilot and early rollout, leaders used the same words:

• calm
• fair
• transparent
• collaborative
• human

One leader said: “It was brilliant… very relaxed, very different and couldn’t have been better.”

Another explained: “Lots of observing, strong focus on inclusion and curriculum, loads of safeguarding. All in all a positive experience for us.”

Key takeaway: 
The tone and structure of inspections have shifted noticeably towards dialogue, clarity and professional respect.

Pilot inspections clearly highlighted three dominant themes:

1. Inclusion
Inspectors consistently looked at:

• how children with SEND are identified
• what adaptations are made
• whether children belong
• how staff understand individual needs

2. Curriculum
Inspectors explored:

• your curriculum intent
• how well staff understand it
• how you implement learning
• what progress looks like for different children

3. Safeguarding
Safeguarding was described as “in-depth” and “thorough.” Inspectors held multiple discussions with staff and leaders, checked understanding, and explored recent concerns or referrals.

Key takeaway: 
Inclusion + curriculum + safeguarding = the core of the new inspection model.

The removal of the overall judgement is the biggest factor here.

Leaders reported that it feels:

• more balanced
• less “all or nothing”
• more reflective of practice
• focused on strengths and next steps

One setting said:

“Great not to have an overall judgement… it identifies what you’re really doing well in.

Next steps instead of recommendations.”

Key takeaway: 
The new system gives a clearer, fairer picture of quality — without one headline judgement overshadowing everything.

Pilot settings reported a very consistent pattern:

✔ Lots of observing in rooms

Inspectors spent long periods:

• watching routines
• following children
• observing interactions
• checking transitions

✔ Case sampling

Inspectors selected:

• SEND children
• disadvantaged children
• children known to social care
• EYPP children
• babies

Then tracked:

• what they know
• what leaders intend for them
• how well they are supported

✔ Reflective discussions

Midway through the day, inspectors share:

• what they’ve seen
• emerging strengths
• areas that need more evidence
• where they will look next

This transparency was described as “supportive and fair.”

Key takeaway: 
Observations and case sampling now drive the inspection, not paperwork.

Several settings had two inspectors, especially:

• in larger nurseries
• where context was complex
• for first inspections after registration

Every setting that mentioned two inspectors said it made the experience better, not worse.

One owner of three preschools shared:

“We had two inspectors and the same positive experience. Exactly 30 months after registration.”

Key takeaway: 
Two inspectors during the pilot was normal and usually helpful.

While Ofsted says no preparation is needed, the pilots revealed something different.

Settings that prepared felt calmer, clearer and more confident.

They focused on:

• understanding the new framework
• practicing the planning call
• briefing staff on safeguarding
• reviewing curriculum intent
• preparing their nominee

This isn’t gaming the process, it’s leadership.

Key takeaway: 
Preparation reduces stress and leads to smoother dialogue on the day.

Based on everything you shared, three surprises stood out:

1. How human the inspectors were
Warm, transparent and genuinely interested in the setting.

2. How much was based on what children actually experience
Inspectors followed children closely and connected everything back to outcomes.

3. How supportive the new grading structure feels
Next steps instead of recommendations.
Separate judgements.
Clear strengths identified.

Key takeaway: 
The inspection model feels closer to coaching than policing without losing rigour.

Here’s the simple version:

• Expect lots of observing
• Expect conversations about inclusion and curriculum
• Expect a deep safeguarding check
• Expect transparency throughout the day
• Expect less judgement and more clarity
• Expect next steps you can act on
• Expect a calmer, more respectful experience

And yes, I think your nominee will matter more than ever.

The pilot inspections show a genuine change in Ofsted culture:

• high expectations but lower pressure
• clarity instead of ambiguity
• real dialogue instead of interrogation
• strengths as well as areas to improve
• fairness, context and understanding

In short: Early years leaders feel seen and that’s long overdue.

Join our Ofsted Ready Webinar on the 26th of January, 2026 for a clear, practical walk-through of the new process.

👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-ofsted-ready-mastering-the-achieve-belong-thrive-strategy-tickets-1973077457790?aff=oddtdtcreator