Updated Requirements for Early Education and Childcare Inspections
The Department for Education have published a letter from Olivia Bailey MP, Minister for Early Education and Minister for Equalities, to the Ofsted Chief Inspector, Martyn Oliver outlining the revised DfE requirements for Ofsted when inspecting early years childcare providers.
Requirements for early education and childcare inspections: letter from Minister for Early Education to Ofsted
From April 2026, Ofsted will prioritise the first inspection of all newly registered providers on the Early Years Register, usually or where possible, within 18 months of registering. This reduces the current timescale of the first inspection within 30 months. This requirement will apply to providers registering on or after 1 April 2026. Ofsted will continue with existing arrangements to inspect all providers who were registered before 1 April 2026, usually within 30 months of the date of registration.
By March 2030 Ofsted must inspect all providers registered on the Early Years Register at least once within every four years, replacing the current six-year window. Ofsted can also inspect more frequently if they have any concerns about the provision. Introduction of the new inspection frequency timescales will be phased, with full implementation expected by March 2030. Providers that have already been inspected under the six-year window will transition to the new four-year window at their next routine inspection as part of the phased rollout.
Inspection of early years register providers: requirements for Ofsted - GOV.UK
To read the news story from Ofsted, click the link below.
Ofsted to inspect early years providers more frequently - GOV.UK
New screen time guidance for parents of under-5s
 A press release has been released sharing new screen time guidance for parents of under-5s.
The new guidance is available for free on the Best Start in Life website, with key tips including:
- Under 2s: Avoiding screen time other than for shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation.
- 2 to 5-year-olds: Trying to keep it to no more than one hour a day. Avoid at mealtimes and in the hour before bed.
- Content: Choosing slow-paced, age-appropriate content. Fast-paced, social media-style videos and AI toys or tools should be avoided for young children.
- Co-viewing: Watching or using screens together - talking, asking questions and engaging with the content - is better for children’s development than solo screen use.
This also forms part of wider action to support all children’s wellbeing in the digital world – running alongside the government’s consultation on further measures to keep children safe online.
Click the button below to read the full press release.
Updated guidance for health protection in children and young people's settings, including education
The Health Security Agency have updated the guidance for health protection in children and young people's settings, including education:
A to Z of infectious diseases in children and young people's settings - GOV.UK
Public health exclusion periods in children and young people's settings - GOV.UK
These links are also found within the document:
Health protection in children and young people's settings, including education - GOV.UK
OPSS issues product recalls
On 3 February a newsflash went out from Foundation Years related to The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issuing a Product Recall to warn about a safety risk associated with the Hobbycraft Giant Box of Craft.
As of 26 March, the number of recalled products is now 30 from more than 10 separate businesses. OPSS is working with local Trading Standards and the UK toy industry to make sure businesses act immediately. Those that have been identified have been removed from sale and recalled.
All settings should review the products recalled here - asbestos - GOV.UK and follow the outlined precautionary steps on the relevant product page to dispose of these products safely. For more information you can access the business’ contact details within the alert or contact the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline, www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/, or your local Trading Standards department.
Last chance to sign up for Maths Champions for free
There are limited fully-funded places still available on Maths Champions!
Maths Champions is an online professional development programme developed by National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA). The programme consists of nine steps which can be completed flexibly around your schedule. The programme is aimed at settings who have 3 and 4 year olds.
Click the button below or scan the QR code to express your interest.
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