With Ofsted's self-evaluation form (SEF) now available online, nurseries are identifying the SEF as a new opportunity to take ownership of their inspection and have more influence over its outcome.
The form should be completed by all early years providers registered to deliver the EYFS from September. While Ofsted recommends updating it at least once a year, there are benefits to doing so much more regularly.
Huggies Day Nursery in Newcastle recently took part in Ofsted's pilot EYFS inspections and found the self-evaluation process wholly positive. Owner Trish Wetwood says, 'We approached filling out the form as a group exercise, involving all of our staff. As a result we were able to create a complete picture of our practice. When the inspector arrived we were already focused on the areas we needed to improve upon, and because staff had been fully involved they felt at ease with the visit. The inspection itself was also much shorter.'
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