The Early Years Inspection Operating Guide (For Use from September 2026) is the updated Ofsted guidance published on 12 June 2026 for inspections taking place from 1 September 2026 onwards.
This document explains exactly how early years inspections are carried out. It sets out what inspectors will do before, during and after an inspection, how evidence is gathered, and what providers can expect throughout the inspection process.
The guide includes information on:
• Inspection preparation and planning calls
• Inspection activities and evidence gathering
• Safeguarding requirements
• How inspection evidence contributes to inspection judgements
• Feedback and inspection outcomes
• Inspector responsibilities and processes
This is an invaluable resource for childminders, nurseries, pre-schools and other early years providers who want to understand how inspections are conducted and feel confident about what to expect.
This version has been professionally printed, bound and protected, making it easy to read, share with your team, highlight and refer back to whenever needed.
Please note: This is the September 2026 version of the Operating Guide and is intended for inspections taking place from 1 September 2026 onwards. Providers expecting an inspection before this date may wish to refer to the current November 2025 version instead.