CORRESPONDENCE- Requirements for early education and childcare inspections

Letter from Olivia Bailey MP, Minister for Early Education and Minister for Equalities, to the Ofsted Chief Inspector, Martyn Oliver.

“From April 2026, Ofsted will further prioritise the first inspection of all newly registered providers on the Early Years Register, usually or where possible, within 18 months of registering. This reduces the current timescale of the first inspection within 30 months. This enables earlier oversight of new providers, and the impact of their actions on children in their settings. In addition, by March 2030 Ofsted must inspect all providers registered on the Early Years Register at least once within every four years, replacing the current six-year window. Ofsted can also inspect more frequently if they have any concerns about the provision.”

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