EYFS Ofsted Toolkit: What EYFS Leaders Need to Know

The new Ofsted inspection framework launches on 10th November 2025, bringing significant changes to how early years provision is evaluated. This guide explains what EYFS leaders need to know to prepare effectively.

What's Changed in 2025?

• New 5-point grading system (Exceptional to Urgent Improvement)
• 7 core evaluation areas for early years settings (plus safeguarding)
• Separate early years grade for schools with EYFS provision
• Enhanced focus on communication and language as foundational
• Explicit evaluation of staff wellbeing within leadership
• No overall effectiveness grade – detailed report cards instead
• 'Secure fit' grading – must meet all standards at a level to achieve that grade

Key Changes EYFS Leaders Must Know

1. Communication and Language is Paramount

Inspectors focus on:

• Daily routines and interactions developing language and vocabulary
• High-quality interactions where staff scaffold, model, extend ideas
• Songs, rhymes and poems building emotional connection to language
• Daily story time with high-quality books
• How staff help children articulate what they know

2. Foundational Knowledge is Critical

For Reception specifically:

• Systematic synthetic phonics taught daily
• Enough teaching and practice for fluency in reading, spelling, handwriting and number
• Mathematics carefully sequenced
• Children securing foundational knowledge before moving on

3. Staff Wellbeing Now Explicitly Evaluated

Inspectors will evaluate:

• Whether leaders are aware of staff wellbeing and workload
• What action leaders take to create sustainable conditions
• Whether staff feel valued and supported

Staff should prioritise interactions with children, not excessive observation and recording.

4. Context Matters (But Standards Remain High)

Inspectors consider your unique circumstances and challenges. However, context is not an excuse for low expectations – all children deserve high-quality provision.

Preparation Steps

1. Review Your Curriculum

• Clear documentation showing progression across 7 areas
• Emphasis on communication and language throughout
• Well-sequenced phonics and mathematics for Reception
• Evidence of how curriculum meets all children's needs

2. Evaluate Teaching Quality

• Staff engage in high-quality interactions throughout the day
• Daily story time prioritized
• Systematic phonics and maths teaching
• Staff check understanding and provide additional support

3. Strengthen Support for Vulnerable Groups

• Quick identification of children with emerging needs
• Timely, effective support using graduated approach
• Partnership working with parents and specialists
• Evidence of impact

4. Gather Your Evidence

• Curriculum documentation and progression maps
• Assessment showing starting points and progress
• Examples of children's learning over time
• Records of support for vulnerable groups
• Staff training records
• Self-evaluation showing accurate understanding

5. Prepare Your Team

• Staff understand curriculum intent
• Can articulate what children are learning and why
• Confident in assessment and using it to inform teaching
• Know their role in supporting vulnerable children

6. Ensure Statutory Compliance

• EYFS statutory framework requirements
• Safeguarding requirements
• SEND Code of Practice
• Equality Act 2010
• Staff:child ratios and qualifications