Preparing for Ofsted: Key Questions to Expect During Your Nursery Inspection

Ofsted inspections are a crucial part of maintaining high standards in early years settings, ensuring that children receive the care and education they deserve. While inspections may seem daunting, preparation can ease the process and boost confidence among nursery staff. Knowing what kinds of questions inspectors might ask allows you to be better prepared, ensuring you can demonstrate your nursery’s commitment to quality education and safeguarding.

This article provides an in-depth guide to the questions Ofsted may ask during an early years inspection, categorized into key areas: leadership and management, staff knowledge and practice, safeguarding, and the quality of education.

The Purpose of an Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted inspections aim to assess how effectively your nursery meets the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring that children are safe, supported, and able to learn and develop. 

Inspectors evaluate:
The quality of education – Curriculum planning, implementation, and impact.
Behaviour and attitudes – Promoting positive behaviour and emotional well-being.
Personal development – Supporting children’s development, independence, and life skills.
Leadership and management – Oversight, training, and fostering a strong staff team.

Understanding these focus areas is crucial for addressing inspectors’ questions confidently.

Questions for Nursery Leadership and Management

Leadership and management are central to Ofsted’s assessment. As a nursery leader, you’ll need to articulate your vision and demonstrate how you ensure high standards across your setting.

Example Questions

Vision and Values

• How do you ensure your setting reflects the principles of the EYFS framework?
• Can you explain your nursery’s ethos and how it supports children’s development?

Staff Training and Development

• What professional development opportunities do you offer your staff?
• How do you ensure staff stay up-to-date with changes to the EYFS framework or safeguarding policies?

Monitoring and Evaluation

• How do you assess the quality of teaching and learning in your setting?
• Can you provide examples of changes you’ve made based on self-evaluation or feedback?

Engaging Parents

• How do you involve parents in their child’s learning journey?
• What systems are in place to communicate progress or concerns with families?

Questions for Nursery Staff: Knowledge and Practice

Ofsted inspectors will speak to staff members to gauge their understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Staff should feel confident discussing their practices and how they contribute to children’s learning and development.

Example Questions

Understanding of the Curriculum

• Can you explain the curriculum you follow and why it is suitable for your children?
• How do you ensure your activities are tailored to the individual needs and interests of the children?

Assessment and Planning

• How do you assess children’s progress, and how does this inform your planning?
• What would you do if you identified that a child was falling behind?

Key Person Role

• How do you build relationships with your key children and their families?
• What steps do you take to ensure a smooth transition for children starting at your nursery or moving to a new setting?

Behaviour Management

• How do you promote positive behaviour in the setting?
• Can you provide an example of how you’ve managed challenging behaviour effectively?

Safeguarding: A Critical Focus Area

Safeguarding is one of the most scrutinized areas of any Ofsted inspection. Inspectors will assess how well your setting protects children from harm, both physically and emotionally.

Example Questions

Policy and Practice

• What is your procedure for reporting a safeguarding concern?
• How do you ensure all staff are familiar with the latest safeguarding policies?

Recognizing and Responding to Concerns

• Can you identify signs that a child might be at risk of harm?
• What would you do if you suspected a colleague was not following safeguarding protocols?

Preventing Harm

• How do you ensure the safety of children during activities and transitions?
• What measures are in place to manage online safety, particularly if children use digital devices in the setting?

Staff Training and Recruitment

• How do you ensure that new staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities from day one?
• What safer recruitment practices do you follow to ensure the suitability of staff?

Quality of Education: Curriculum and Outcomes

The quality of education is at the heart of an Ofsted inspection. Inspectors want to see how well your curriculum supports children’s development and prepares them for the next stage of their education.

Example Questions

Curriculum Intent

• What are your curriculum goals, and how do they align with the EYFS framework?
• How do you ensure your curriculum meets the needs of all children, including those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)?

Implementation

• Can you describe a typical day at your nursery and how it supports children’s learning?
• How do you ensure that children are engaged and motivated during activities?

Impact

• How do you measure the impact of your curriculum on children’s progress?
• Can you provide an example of how a specific activity has helped a child achieve their next steps?

Cultural Capital

• How do you expose children to experiences that broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world?
• What steps do you take to promote equality and celebrate diversity in your setting?

Preparing Your Team for the Inspection

Preparing for an inspection is a team effort. Regular training and open communication can ensure that all staff feel confident in their roles and responsibilities. Here are some tips:

Mock Inspections: Conduct internal mock inspections to familiarize staff with potential questions and scenarios.

Staff Meetings: Use team meetings to discuss policies, safeguarding updates, and key areas of focus.

Knowledge Sharing: Encourage staff to share examples of good practice or innovative ideas that have worked well in the setting.

Documentation: Ensure all policies, risk assessments, and records are up-to-date and accessible.

What Happens After the Inspection?

Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide feedback and a report detailing their findings. This is an opportunity to reflect on strengths and areas for improvement. Take the following steps:

Celebrate Success: Acknowledge and celebrate what your team does well.

Address Recommendations: Develop an action plan to address any recommendations in the report.

Communicate with Parents: Share key outcomes with parents to build trust and confidence in your setting.

Final Thoughts

An Ofsted inspection is an opportunity to showcase the hard work, dedication, and expertise of your team. By understanding the types of questions inspectors might ask, you can prepare thoroughly and ensure your nursery shines. Focus on fostering a culture of continuous improvement, supporting your staff, and prioritizing the well-being and development of the children in your care.

With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to face your inspection with confidence, demonstrating your commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment.

Remember, Ofsted isn’t just looking for perfection – they’re looking for evidence that you understand your responsibilities, are committed to improving, and are putting the needs of children first.