Ofsted

Understanding Ofsted and its role in early years education

What is Ofsted?

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. While many associate Ofsted with school inspections, they also regulate and inspect early years settings, including nurseries, pre-schools, and out-of-school clubs.

When Ofsted visits an early years setting, they carry out a thorough inspection to determine:

How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend;
The contribution of early years provision to the well-being of children;
The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision; and
If the setting meets legal requirements for early years.

At the end of an inspection, the provision will be graded as one of the following:

Outstanding (Grade 1);
Good (Grade 2);
Requires Improvement (Grade 3); or
Inadequate (Grade 4).

Ofsted Overview

At Sparkling Stars, we are committed to meeting and exceeding the standards set by Ofsted. Our team works diligently to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children to thrive.

STARS Framework

At Sparkling Stars, we align our values with Ofsted's framework to ensure the highest standards of care and education. Our STARS framework represents:

Safe & Secure: Providing a nurturing and protective environment where every child feels valued and cared for. (Ofsted Alignment: Safeguarding & Welfare)
Thriving Learners: Encouraging curiosity, independence, and a love for lifelong learning. (Ofsted Alignment: Quality of Education & Personal Development)
Aspiration & Achievement: Inspiring children to reach their full potential through engaging learning experiences. (Ofsted Alignment: Quality of Education & Behaviour & Attitudes)
Respect & Responsibility: Teaching kindness, inclusivity, and accountability, fostering positive attitudes. (Ofsted Alignment: Behaviour & Attitudes & Personal Development)
Stimulating Creativity: Providing imaginative, hands-on experiences that encourage innovation and self-expression. (Ofsted Alignment: Quality of Education & Personal Development)

Inspection Reports

At Sparkling Stars, we aim to achieve the highest standards in our Ofsted inspection reports. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality childcare and education, continuously striving for excellence in all areas.

How This Aligns with Ofsted

Ofsted Area	STARS Value(s) Aligned
Quality of Education	Thriving Learners, Aspiration & Achievement, Stimulating Creativity
Behaviour & Attitudes	Aspiration & Achievement, Respect & Responsibility
Personal Development	Thriving Learners, Respect & Responsibility, Stimulating Creativity
Leadership & Management	Respect & Responsibility (teamwork with families and staff)
Safeguarding & Welfare	Safe & Secure

Parent Feedback

We value the feedback of parents and carers. Your input helps us to continuously improve and ensure that we meet the needs of every child and family.