Ofsted updates early years handbook to clarify how inspections can be paused

The amendment of the handbook follows measures announced by Ofsted in its response to Her Majesty’s Coroner’s Prevention of Future Deaths report following an inquest into headteacher Ruth Perry’s death.  

The inspectorate has added a new section to its handbook to clarify that the inspectorate will consider pausing an inspection when there is a ‘significant’ event involving a member of staff or a child, or ‘significant’ concerns about leaders’ welfare.

It says it will consider events on a case-by-case basis and will be ‘sympathetic to the pressures’ on leaders and staff.

The paragraph on ‘Pausing inspections’ states, ‘There may be occasions when it is difficult or inappropriate for an inspection to continue. For example, there may be a significant event involving a member of staff or a child, or significant concerns about leaders’ welfare. We will consider these on a case-by-case basis, and will be sympathetic to the pressures on leaders and staff.

‘If, at any time, an inspector thinks that an inspection should be paused, they should immediately contact the duty desk. The duty desk will liaise with the regional director, who will advise on next steps.’

It is one of a number of amendments that have been made to the Early Years Inspection handbook.

The updated handbook, published today (19 January), also includes new guidance on how an inspector should consider the wellbeing of leaders and staff during an inspection.

The paragraph states, ‘The inspector should take careful account of the well-being of leaders and staff and adjust their approach or activity, as appropriate, as they go about their inspection work. If the inspector sees that a staff member (including leaders) is upset or distressed at any point during the inspection, they will respond sensitively. They will consider suitable adjustments to enable the leader or staff member to continue.’

Another new paragraph clarifies actions the inspector will take if final feedback is likely to be ‘challenging’ or raise ‘sensitive issues’.

Other changes include:

• An amendment to wording to clarify when Ofsted aims to send inspection reports and who these reports can be shared with.
• Clarification regarding Ofsted’s role as the inspectorate of settings, no individual staff members or leaders.
• Clarification about inspector conduct during an inspection- inspectors will ‘treat everyone fairly and with the respect and sensitivity they deserve’.
• Updated wording to reflect changes made to the complaints process and the quality assurance of inspection reports. Also updated to clarify that the provider should be provided with opportunities to raise issues, concerns or seek clarification about the inspection.

The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) welcomed the changes.

Chief executive Purnima Tanuku said, ‘Updating the early years inspection handbook is an important piece in the changes Ofsted are making to the way they work. It is important for providers and inspectors that there is more clarity on how concerns can be raised before, during and after inspections.

‘We also welcome additions which clarify how inspections might be paused if there are concerns, how staff well-being can be taken into consideration and dealing with difficult and sensitive feedback.

‘These changes, combined with the additional training inspectors have undertaken, need to work to build and maintain the professional dialogue between inspectors and early years professionals so that the inspection process can focus on everyone’s priority; improving quality for the benefit and wellbeing of all children.’