This site is delivered by Worcestershire County Council.

Ofsted

Information and resources to support effective leadership of Early Years provision. 

Birth to 5 matters remind us that the 4 principles of the EYFS thread through leadership and quality improvement, just as they apply to young children. 

In summary:

  • every setting is unique with its own strengths and challenges. A good leader recognises and celebrates this, offering tailored provision to meet the needs of their children and families
  • forming positive relationships with practitioners, families, and other agencies is key to fostering trusting and collaborative working relationships which impact children positively
  • practitioners need an enabling environment where they feel safe and a sense of belonging. They need opportunities to embed and extend their own learning
  • a good leader will empower others to reflect on practice and continue to learn and develop their thinking around early years themes ensuring we are doing our very best for children and families

The following resources have been chosen to support your leadership journey.

Ofsted

Ofsted is the regulatory body whose aim is to improve lives by raising standards in education and children’s social care. The following information relates to the role of Ofsted and how this impacts and supports early years provision.

Ofsted have published their long-term strategy which gives us an insight into their priorities for the next few years. Ofsted strategy 2022–27 (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Ofsted’s regulatory role involves sharing good practice through their early years blog and YouTube channels:

The following documents will support your understanding of inspection and how to prepare:

During inspection the inspector will be gathering evidence to ensure the provider has an open and positive safeguarding culture that puts the interests of children first. Throughout the inspection they will refer to the document:

It can be useful to look at recent Ofsted inspections to support your understanding of the process and see how reports are structured.