This information is brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Early Years team, on behalf of Ofsted, for the attention of all Early Years settings.
June 12th 2026 Ofsted has released updated versions of the Early Years Inspection Documents, with over 30 changes across the documents.
Some of the headline changes include:
Greater focus on safeguarding and protecting children from harm.
New standards around safer sleeping, safer eating and weaning arrangements.
Inspectors being directed to check how providers are implementing statutory safer sleep and safer eating guidance in practice.
Increased focus on inclusion, SEND and vulnerable children.
Updates to inspection grading standards and evidence gathering.
Additional guidance around Equality Act responsibilities and reasonable adjustments.
Many of the changes are clarifications and refinements
The new documents come into effect from September 2026
Early years inspection operating guide for inspectors: for use from September 2026 - GOV.UK