What happens during an OFSTED inspection

OFSTED inspectors will gather evidence on the quality of care, teaching and learning during their time at the nursery. The inspector will:

• Observe children at play.
• Talk to the children and practitioners about the activities that are provided.
• Talk to parents to gather their views on the provision provided
• Observe interaction between practitioners and children
• Gauge children’s levels of understanding and their engagement in learning.
• Talk to practitioners about their assessment of individual children, what they know, what they can do and how they are building upon this.
• Observe care routines and identify how these are supporting children’s personal development.
• Evaluate staff’s knowledge of EYFS curriculum. 

Questions OFSTED might ask:

“Do you think the child is doing what they should be for their age?”

“Could you show me how you know your child’s strengths and areas for development?”

“How do you meet the needs of children who prefer to learn outdoors?”

“What is the purpose behind this activity? Why have you selected these children to take part?”