Document to confirm the facts and Myths about early years inspections
Ofsted has decided to produce a document that contains facts about early years inspections. It should be read alongside the Early Years Handbook. The documents also include myths about early years inspections which are;
Notice period before inspections
1.Myth
Ofsted cannot carry out inspections without any notice
Fact
It is confirmed that Ofsted can carry out an early years inspection without notice. An inspection that takes place without any notice happens when someone has raised a concern about the setting.
Paperwork
2.Myth
More paperwork the better and this should be stored in a folder marked Ofsted
Fact
Ofsted does not need to see a certain amount of paperwork. It is up to the settings how they file their paperwork. During an inspection, the inspector will only ask to see evidence they require. The paperwork that is often requested is outlined on pages 10 and 11 of the early year’s handbook
3.Myth
The inspector will want to see paper assessments rather than those completed electronically.
Fact
There is no right or wrong way for recording assessments. All the inspector wants to see is if they are effective and helps children’s learning development and progress.
4.Myth
Ofsted expects the written self-evaluation form to be completed by leaders.
Fact
During an inspection, childcare providers do not need to produce a self-evaluation form. However, managers and staff should be able to discuss the setting with the inspector. The inspector will talk to staff about the quality of care and what activities they provide and how well the setting is meeting children’s individual needs.
During inspection
5.Myth
Ofsted expects the manager to be available at all times to speak to the inspector.
Fact
The manager does not need to be immediately available. The settings should operate the same as they would if the manager wasn’t present. The inspector will arrange a meeting with the manager during the inspection at a convenient time.
6.Myth
Inspectors will consider a cup of tea/ coffee or biscuits as bribery
Fact
Inspectors will follow a strict code of conduct and will carry out an inspection in a professional manner without being bias. If the setting has a hot drinks, policy inspectors will not expect rules to be broken just because of an inspection,
Grading and feedback.
7.Myth
Only the manager can attend the feedback meeting at the end of the inspection.
Fact
Until the final report is published what is discussed during the feedback meeting is confidential. Other staff can be present during the feedback meeting where it is feasible.
8.Myth
Ofsted will never give a higher overall judgement than the grade a provider has awarded itself in its self-evaluation form (SEF).
Fact
The self-evaluation forms are not compulsory, and it will not determine Ofsted overall judgement, The inspector will make their judgement on the day of the inspection.
9.Myth
A childcare setting cannot achieve a judgement more than one grade above its previous inspection outcome.
Fact
During an inspection, a setting can improve by more than one grade. The inspector will judge the setting accordingly on the day of the inspection.
Complaints
10.Myth
Making a complaint about an inspection will go against a childcare setting the next time it is inspected.
Fact
During an inspection, past complaints lodged by settings will not be taken into consideration during the inspection.