Flourish Early Years

OFSTED UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 2026

Ofsted has released updates to the Early Years Inspection Toolkit and Operating Guide for use from September 2026.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-inspection-toolkit-operating-guide-and-information/summary-of-changes

Key updates include:
Greater clarity around evidence gathering
✔️ Updates to leadership and governance expectations
✔️ Refinements to safeguarding and safer culture guidance
✔️ Further emphasis on children's welfare and well-being, including safe sleep.
✔️ Clarification of inclusive practice and support for
all children
✔️ Additional guidance to support consistent inspection practice

The overall message remains the same: inspectors want to understand the reality of children's experiences, the quality of provision, and the impact of leadership.

For early years leaders, now is the perfect time to review the updated documents, reflect on current practice and ensure your setting aligns with the language and expectations within the toolkit.

🌿 At Flourish Early Years, we'll be unpicking the updates and sharing practical guidance to help settings feel confident, prepared and inspection-ready.

Remember you can fee ofsted ready with our online training session: Preparing for Inspection

https://flourishearlyyears.com/preparing-for-inspection

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🌟 NEW ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE 🌟

Preparing for Inspection: The New Framework

Feeling unsure about what inspections will look like under the new framework?

This practical, confidence-building course has been designed to help you feel informed, prepared and ready.

✅ Understand the latest framework changes
✅ Learn how the toolkit is used during inspection
✅ Prepare for notification and planning calls
✅ Explore inspection activities and shared observations
✅ Gain practical tips to boost your confidence

Learn at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time.

Invest in your confidence and walk into inspection feeling prepared.

Book now:
https://www.flourishearlyyears.com/preparing-for-inspection

Lets us take care of your inset day with our bespoke training! We have limited September dates remaining get in touch now in [email protected]

As part of our Ofsted focus we are looking at different aspects of safeguarding. Today's focus is Ongoing suitability. How do you demonstrate ongoing suitability to the inspector, what kind of things are you doing in your setting?