Ofsted changed in 2025. Here’s what that really means for your nursery (and how to stay calm)

If the word Ofsted still makes your stomach tighten slightly, you’re not alone.

For many nursery managers, inspections bring pressure, not just to deliver quality, but to prove it, evidence it, and explain it, all while running a busy setting and supporting staff and families.

With the Ofsted Early Years Inspection Framework 2025 introducing the biggest inspection changes in over a decade, it’s natural to worry. The reality, however, is more reassuring than it first appears.

What is the Ofsted Early Years Inspection Framework 2025?

From 10 November 2025, all early years providers, including nurseries, preschools, and childminders, will be inspected under Ofsted’s updated Education Inspection Framework (EIF).

The aim of the new framework is to improve transparency, create fairer judgements, and reduce unnecessary anxiety for providers.

What’s changing in early years inspections?

One of the biggest changes is the move away from a single overall judgement.

Instead, Ofsted will use a five-point grading scale ranging from Urgent Improvement to Exceptional. This gives a more balanced view of quality and allows inspectors to recognise strengths alongside areas for development.

Safeguarding remains non-negotiable. It is still graded separately as Met or Not Met, and if safeguarding is not met, it overrides all other outcomes.

Seven areas of evaluation

Under the Ofsted Early Years Inspection Framework 2025, inspections will assess settings across seven areas, including curriculum, children’s wellbeing, leadership and governance, and safeguarding.

Importantly, inclusion is now a standalone judgement. Inspectors will look closely at how settings support children with SEND, remove barriers to learning, and adapt provision to meet individual needs.

Inspections are also becoming more context-aware, using local data to better understand the communities settings serve.

Changes to inspection timing

There are also practical updates nursery managers should know:

• A four-year inspection cycle replaces the six-year model
• New providers will be inspected within 12–18 months
• Notification is given the day before inspection, followed by a planning call
• Inspections will not take place in the week before Christmas

The message is clear: Ofsted expects settings to be inspection-ready as part of everyday practice.

Ofsted report cards explained

Another key change is the introduction of Ofsted report cards.

Rather than a single headline judgement, reports will show outcomes across each evaluation area, alongside strengths, next steps, and clear, parent-friendly explanations. Reports must be shared with parents within 30 days and reflect the verbal feedback given during inspection.

Leadership and staff wellbeing

The new framework places greater emphasis on leadership, governance, and staff wellbeing.

Inspectors will consider whether workloads are manageable, staff feel supported, and systems are in place for reflection and professional development. This recognises that strong outcomes for children depend on healthy, supported teams.

How to prepare for Ofsted in 2025

Preparing for Ofsted does not require a major overhaul.

Strong nurseries focus on clarity rather than perfection. They know where they’re doing well, where they’re improving, and can evidence both confidently. Keeping safeguarding up to date, tracking inclusion consistently, and supporting staff wellbeing all support inspection readiness.

The bottom line

The Ofsted Early Years Inspection Framework 2025 is not about catching nurseries out. It’s about impact over paperwork, context over box-ticking, and confidence over fear.

Nurseries that are organised and reflective won’t need to scramble before inspection, they’ll already be ready.

Hannah
Marketing Manager