Early years sector backs calls to scrap single-word Ofsted judgements

Early years sector backs calls to scrap single-word Ofsted judgements as nurseries, preschools and childminders say inspections are their main cause of stress

Early years providers are calling for single-word Ofsted judgements to be scrapped, as a new survey by leading membership organisation the Early Years Alliance found that Ofsted inspections are the main regular cause of stress for early years providers. 

The survey, which ran online from 29 March to 27 April 2023, and received 1,910 responses found that around eight in ten (79%) nurseries, preschools and childminders said they were stressed about Ofsted inspections “fairly” or “very often”, while almost half of respondents (45%) have had a negative Ofsted experience.  

Around a fifth (21%) said they have filed a formal complaint, and more than half (52%) said the inspection judgements they received were unfair. 

In addition, the majority of providers believe that inspections do not have a positive impact on the provision of quality care and education. Only 14% said the current Ofsted inspection regime has had a positive impact on the provision of quality care and education while 37% ‘strongly disagreed’, and 26% ‘somewhat disagreed’, with the statement. 

In recent weeks, questions have been raised over the impact of Ofsted inspections, especially on workforce wellbeing and mental health, following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry. In April, “Beyond Ofsted”, an inquiry into the inspection system, was launched. However, the inquiry does not currently include early years settings within its scope.  

The Alliance’s survey also highlighted that, in addition to the impact of Ofsted inspections, working in the early years sector overall is having a significant negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the workforce. 

More than eight in ten (81%) respondents said they were regularly stressed about a work-related issue in the past month, with sector-specific government policy and pay listed as the most common causes of stress behind Ofsted inspections.  

Most early educators said this has had a knock-on impact on their physical health: in the past year, around two-thirds suffered with anxiety (67%), fatigue (65%) and loss of motivation (64%). 14% said that they had experienced panic attacks, while 3% said they had had thoughts of taking their own life. 

Overall, nearly six in 10 (59%) educators said they felt negatively about working in the sector (40% said they felt “somewhat negative” and 19% “very negative”). A third (35%) said they were considering leaving the sector due to stress and mental health difficulties. 

Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said:  

“The fact that working in the early years has left educators facing sleepless nights and suffering from anxiety and stress is not only deeply worrying; it’s completely unacceptable. 

"It’s clear that the early years is in the midst of a mental health and wellbeing crisis, and that Ofsted inspections are a key source of this stress for many in the sector.  

“If inspections are to achieve their aim of supporting and improving the provision of education, they must be a collaborative, supportive and positive experience. Instead, they are increasingly seen as something to dread, leaving educators stressed, exhausted and questioning their future in the sector – and while recent discussions on this issue have largely focused on the experiences of schools, this is just as true in the early years. 

“On top of this, years of severe underfunding and limited government support have taken its toll on early educators and – as our survey shows – contributed to the fact that so many in the sector are facing a range of mental health challenges.  

“Day after day, early years providers are forced to juggle wholly inadequate funding, overwhelming workloads and severe staffing shortages while continuing to deliver high-quality early education and care. Add to that the fact that, in the rare instance that the sector is included in government policy – such as the newly-announced 30-hour expansion – it often ends up heaping even more pressure on a sector that is already close to buckling, and it’s no surprise that so many are struggling. 

“Going forward, the mental health and wellbeing of early educators must be a key focus both when it comes to reforming the inspection system and in developing government policy. With a third of providers actively considering leaving the workforce, this is not an issue that can be ignored. The way the sector is treated must change, not only to protect the mental health of the workforce, but the future of the entire sector.” 

Survey comments: 

• “For small settings like us, it is a worrying and sad time. Funding does not cover staffing and small additional costs which has led to a lot of sleepless nights and has meant that I have often not been able to pay myself. I always want to make sure my staff are happy, paid and know they are appreciated but behind the scenes it is very hard. I’ve nearly given up a few times because of money issues and the stress it causes. But, I love my job and the kids, families and staff so I plod on with a big smile.” 
   

• “I love my job but I’m so frustrated and stressed. Not only am I trying to keep the business running sustainably with limited funding, but I’m also under pressure due to Ofsted inspections. I know we do a fantastic job, yet we are judged on one three-hour visit. I would much prefer our local authority to inspect us.”  
   
• “I feel deflated and unmotivated. I’m unable to get nursery practitioners to cover maternity leave because the pay is low, and the work is hard. I feel overworked and very stressed especially when considering this is a role that pays just above the minimum wage. I’m unable to sleep and spend my nights thinking of the tasks that have not been done. The nursery is failing financially at a time when more and more is expected of us.” 
   
• “I would like to start by saying that Ofsted inspections are a fantastic and necessary tool to help improve and ensure a high level of education and care. However, the looming Ofsted inspection causes a great deal of stress for me and other staff members, it has caused anxiety and sleepless nights for more than one member of my team, including me. I feel that the process and grading system is not always fair and can be handled in a better way.

         "If we had regular check-ins and support to allow us to show our process, plans and                      improvements, we would be able to provide an excellent level of education to the children            within our care. But, having to wait for a call every few years and then hope you have a                nice inspector is enough to give anyone a high level of anxiety. I have seen how much                  stress and strain this process has put on my team.   

         "It is a harsh way of doing things and if the end goal is to provide a high level of care, then           surely this can be done in a way that does not cause mental strain on those providing the           care and education.” 

“Our setting is expecting an Ofsted inspection shortly which has really changed how I feel about my job and the workload. As a result, I feel this role is not sustainable for me, which is really sad as I love working in the early years but Ofsted places too much pressure on early years settings when it is already a very emotionally and physically demanding job. Although it’s extremely rewarding it pays poorly and really encroaches on my home life. I am part of an early years managers group on social media and it saddens me to hear from so many managers who feel they are unable to continue with their job due to the high pressure, workload and expectations.”