Understanding Ofsted report cards and nursery inspection ratings
Ofsted reports are one of the best independent views of a nursery. Inspection formats have been changing, with single-word judgements replaced by more detailed report cards, here's how to make sense of them.
Report cards
Replacing single-word grades
Free
Every report is online
Check the date
Older reports may be out of date
In this guide
What Ofsted looks at
Inspectors observe practice, speak with staff, children and parents, and check records. They look at how well children learn and develop, their wellbeing and behaviour, leadership, and, crucially, whether children are kept safe.
Report cards vs older ratings
Older reports give an overall grade of Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate. Newer report cards break performance down into separate areas on a graded scale, giving a fuller picture of strengths and weaknesses.
Safeguarding is judged separately as either met or not met. This is the single most important thing to check.
How to read a report
- Read the 'what the setting needs to do' section first
- Look for specifics about how staff interact with children
- Check what's said about the youngest age group if that's your child
- Note any actions or concerns, then ask the nursery about them
- Search the Ofsted website by nursery name or postcode