Childcare Sector Surveys Add More Pressure on Ofsted

Childcare sector surveys add more pressure on Ofsted 

Ofsted have been under mounting pressure in recent weeks from numerous teaching unions and schools. This month saw the regulator come under added pressure from Nurseries and the Early Years sector. The rising pressure follows April’s investigation into Ofsted’s inspection process, with the findings and recommendations expected to be published in November 2023. Surveys conducted by both Nursery World and the Early Years Alliance highlighted the stress that staff feel before, during and after the inspections, and the disapproval of the inspection methods, In particular the single word grading. 

Nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders across the country took part in the surveys, with over 5,000 respondents in total. The most alarming findings suggested that around 80% of staff regularly feel stressed, anxious, or nervous before an Ofsted inspection. And nearly 60% of respondents were very supportive of the removal of one-word gradings. With the historically difficult relationship between Ofsted and the childcare sector these results may not be surprising but nevertheless they should be taken seriously.  

It is widely accepted that inspections are necessary and beneficial for setting the standards and adding improvements throughout education and care settings. But the methods to achieve this are under more scrutiny than ever, with a willingness from all parties that the process becomes more constructive. There have been calls from multiple voices within the industry that Ofsted take these survey findings on board while carrying out their investigation. It is unclear whether these findings will be used during Ofsted’s investigation, but it does seem likely that some reforms will be happening in the future. 

An upcoming inspection can be stressful. As a Morton Michel Childcare, Education, and Children's Activities policyholder, you and your staff have access to a free confidential counselling helping included with your policy. Find out more.