You can find the new inspection handbook here –
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inspecting-registered-early-years-providers-guidance-for-inspectors.
Your inspector will ask you questions and observe your practice – they will not expect to see lots of written documentation beyond the requirements of the EYFS.
The EYFS has not been updated (yet – we are expecting an update but it won’t be this year).
You can find it here - https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2017/03/EYFS_STATUTORY_FRAMEWORK_2017.pdf.
This change of inspection focus means that you will not need lengthy self-evaluation and action planning forms or folders of information… you will not need booklets or diaries full of action planning notes… you will not need to do the Ofsted SEF - it disappeared some time ago now – time to move on…
What you will need during inspection is a good overview of your setting and to be able to talk about what you do well … and the areas you want to improve.
For example, if you have been on training recently, done a new webinar or read a blog that has changed the way you do things, then you will be able to talk about the impact of the training on your practice and outcomes for the children during your inspection.
To help you with your reflections, areas to focus on include:
- What you do well… your inspector might ask you about your strengths so have some replies ready.
- Areas for improvement… what areas of the house, garden, outings or practice do you want to improve?
- What will you do… access some CPD, discuss with colleagues, do a webinar, read a blog?
- How will you do it... buy or make new resources, change something around, adapt your routines?
- How much are you going to spend – is it affordable?
- How long is it going to take – do you have a long, medium- or short-term plan for change?
- When things have updated whatever or changed something ask yourself – what is the impact on your setting – ways of working – outcomes for the children – relationships with parents etc?
Your inspector might ask the question in different ways – so be ready with a few ideas in your head to answer!
Be confident in you practice – you are doing it already, now Ofsted are saying they will expect you to talk about it rather than spending your weekends writing it all down. However, there is nothing to stop you if you want to make brief notes to remind you of all the things you have done since your last inspection to make your setting better for the children.
My next Childcare.co.uk free webinar covers action planning. You can sign up for it here - https://www.childcare.co.uk/webinars.
Thank you, Sarah.