A new approach to Ofsted ratings officially launched in November 2025, as part of a new Education Inspection Framework. Parents of children attending early years settings, schools, and further education, will therefore soon begin to see the new-style Ofsted ‘Report Cards’ that will be published following inspections. These are designed to replace — and improve upon — the previous one-word Ofsted rating system, which had become controversial∞. Gone will be what became known as the “single word judgements” on settings (previously a choice between Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate). Instead, parents will see a much more detailed ‘Report Card’ that combines at-a-glance headline information with multiple sub-section details. The idea is to give parents a more comprehensive view of how schools and settings measure up across a broad range of performance metrics, as well as providing important context. In essence, parents will be able to easily and quickly identify areas of strength, as well as those that require development. In today’s post, we take a look at Ofsted’s new Report Card and explain how it works.
The New Performance Metrics
The single ‘Overall Effectiveness’ grade has now been retired. Instead, Ofsted will assess settings across a range of key areas and confirm their evaluation of each one separately on the new Report Card. For each, they will use a 5-point scale, with the exception of Safeguarding, which we’ll come to separately in a moment.
The 5-Point Assessment Scale
Except for Safeguarding, the new Report Card will show Ofsted’s evaluation of each of the assessment areas as one of the following:
- Exceptional — the highest quality provision (indicated in blue);
- Strong standard (indicated in dark green);
- Expected standard (indicated in bright green);
- Needs attention (indicated in orange); or
- Urgent improvement (indicated in red).
The Report Card will use colour-coding, as indicated above in brackets.
Key Areas of Assessment
For Early Years SettingsFor early years settings, Ofsted will evaluate the following areas of provision:
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For SchoolsFor schools* inspected by Ofsted, they will evaluate a slightly different list of key areas:
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* Early years and/or sixth form education will also be assessed if schools provide them. In parallel to the above, independent schools will also continue to be assessed against the ‘independent schools standards’.
For Further Education & Skills ProvidersThe list of key areas of assessment for further education settings and skills providers is longer still. As today’s guide pertains to younger children, however, such a list can be viewed separately here. |
Safeguarding
Because the safety and welfare of children is paramount, Ofsted’s assessment of a setting’s Safeguarding features separately in the new Ofsted Report Card. That’s for all types of settings, whether they’re early years providers, schools, further education, or skills providers.
How will that look? The new Report Card will show the result for the assessment of Safeguarding clearly as either Met (with a green tick) or Not Met. More detail will be available by opening a drop-down ‘show/hide’ selector and sub-link (shown below).
More Details on the Ofsted Report Cards
As well as assigning a finding of either Met or Not Met to the Safeguarding element and rating each of the other key areas using the 5-point scale, Ofsted will provide extra narrative to explain each of the findings in more detail. In tandem with this, additional commentary will provide contextual information, such as any relevant SEND, demographic, or other factors that may explain the story behind the grades. Additional narrative providing an overview of what it’s like to attend the setting will also be included. These expandable narrative sections will be displayed below the more prominent colour-coded assessment grid and Safeguarding section.
Final Thoughts
The new Ofsted report cards intend to give families both an at-a-glance snapshot and more comprehensive details that outline strengths — and any areas that require development — for educational settings like nurseries, schools, colleges, etc. By showing their evaluation of a whole raft of key areas in this way, Ofsted is aiming to give parents a clearer picture of each setting. That’s in stark contrast to the historical “single word judgements” that we’ve been used to – until now. It does make sense — after all, no single word can ever tell the whole story or sum up a unique and complex service.
Not everyone is convinced the changes go far enough. However, Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector for Education, Children’s Services and Skills, has said that the new system should be fairer and better for parents, while also providing tangible and financial support to any settings in difficulty. The government expects the new system to raise standards for children, which is incredibly important — and what it’s all about at the end of the day. Learn about the new education inspection framework in more detail here.
Little Cedars Nursery – a Good Provider
Looking for a High-Quality Nursery/Preschool in Streatham?
We haven’t yet been graded using the new Ofsted rating system, so we don’t yet have one of the new-style ‘report cards’. However, Ofsted rated us as a Good Provider in their most recent report, so you know your little one is in safe hands if you send them to Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham. If you’d like to explore a possible nursery or preschool place for your child at this wonderful setting close to Streatham Common, Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Tooting, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury, and Colliers Wood, get in touch — or start your application today. We’d love to show you and your child around and answer any questions. We also support funded childcare places for eligible families.
Tantrums are a common part of life with toddlers and under-fives, but when they happen, they can be very challenging! Whether it’s a meltdown at dinner time or a dramatic on-the-floor outburst in the middle of the supermarket aisle, they can test even the most patient of parents and carers. However, it’s important to understand that tantrums aren’t a sign that something is wrong — they’re actually a normal, healthy stage of child development.
In their early years, children are still learning how to manage big emotions. There’s a mismatch, though; their brains are developing rapidly, but they haven’t yet mastered language, impulse control, or emotional regulation. So, when they’re tired, hungry, overstimulated, or frustrated, it can all become too much for them. 
When a tantrum starts, staying calm yourself is key. Your child will take emotional cues from you, their trusted adult. If you can remain steady, even if you’re feeling flustered inside, you send the message that you’re in control—and that they’re safe.
Avoid reasoning or explaining too much during a tantrum. When a child is overwhelmed, they’re unlikely to take much in. It’s often best to wait it out and stay close so they know they’re not alone. For some children, a gentle touch or hug might be helpful. Others may need a bit of space before they’re ready for comfort.
Offering limited choices — like “Would you like to wear the red jumper or the blue one?” — can also give them a sense of control without overwhelming them.
In today’s world, electronic screens are everywhere — from TVs and smartphones to tablets and games consoles. Even our youngest children are growing up in increasingly digital environments. While technology brings many conveniences, intentionally unplugging can offer profound benefits for little ones and their families. Whether it’s for a day, a weekend, a holiday, or even longer, the value gained from a ‘digital detox’ may surprise even the most dubious amongst us. Today’s post investigates.
Research consistently shows the positive effects of stepping away from our screens. Studies report that a digital detox can lead to decreased stress and anxiety, improved mood and well-being, and even better physical health through healthier, less sedentary, lifestyles. Pausing the use of electronic screens can even help reset our perception of time, making days feel longer, fuller, and more engaged.
When families go screen-free, the benefits extend well beyond the individual. Removing screens often rekindles face-to-face interactions and facilitates more laughter and unfiltered conversations within the family. Parents who’ve tried it report a renewed sense of connection and deeper engagement with their children. Even short periods of unplugging can turn into lasting changes—more shared stories, more creative play, and more real presence.
Better sleep for everyone with children tending to drop off more easily and adults feeling more rested.
Begin by designating screen-free boundaries, such as bedrooms or mealtimes, and/or set a daily screen-free hour in the evening.
The evidence clearly shows: families who have periods free of electronic screens will benefit. A digital detox enriches and elongates days. It enhances sleep quality for children and adults by facilitating their natural rhythms. Days feel more spacious and calm without digital distractions and imaginative play soon steps in and thrives. In the absence of screens, children are also likely to get outdoors more often — and benefit from everything nature and outdoor play have to offer. Mental health and even academic grades are also likely to improve when this happens.
Concepts involving numbers and counting can sometimes be tricky for some preschoolers to grasp. Making sense of such concepts is important, though, because many aspects of children’s day-to-day lives will require an increasing understanding of numbers as time passes. Whether it’s knowing if a quantity of something is more or less than something else, how much of an ingredient is required in a mixture, or what change to expect from a purchase, children will need to grasp number-based concepts — and understand their real-world applications. What’s more, they’ll need to do this sooner rather than later if they’re to thrive, not least when they leave early years settings to begin school.
Making ‘number cards’ with your child will be a fun and useful first step. These could be as simple as small pieces of paper or card, each having a single large number written clearly on them. Alternatively, your child could take the opportunity to get more creative. For example, you and your child could make the numbers bright and colourful, have patterned in-fills, or even be made to look like animals or number ‘characters’ that have eyes. For the very young, start with numbers up to 5, or go to 10 or even 20 for older and more advanced children. Size-wise, perhaps aim for cards sized at about A6 (a quarter of an A4 sheet) or even A7 (A4 divided into 8).
A more advanced form of the number cards could depict the correct number of dots (or other drawn objects) instead of — or as well as — the actual written number. So, for example, the ‘3’ card could show a column or row of 3 round dots or squares or even something like 3 drawn strawberries — whatever your child likes! In a way, it’s a bit like traditional playing cards where each has both a number and the right amount of hearts, diamonds, clubs or spades on it, to match the number.
This next game will require a set of dominoes or, if you don’t have a set, they’re also easy enough to make in a similar way to the number cards. As you may know, each half of every domino has a number of dots, most commonly from 1 to 6. So, for example, there might be two dots on one end and five on the other, with the dot formations being rather like those you’d see on dice.
Understanding whether a quantity of something is more or less than something else is an important concept for children to grasp. Similarly, being able to estimate a quantity is a useful and practical skill for little ones to master. Such concepts can easily be highlighted, and the skills mastered, using simple estimating games. Some examples follow.
Pretending to be a shopkeeper or a shopper buying from one is a great next step for children. What’s more, they’ll naturally love playing shops having, no doubt, accompanied parents to real shops. This is where they can put all the things they’ve learned from the games above into practice. They can check they have the right quantities, weights or volumes or products, check they’re giving the shopkeeper the right amount of money, ensure that any change is correct — and so on! Playing shops is such a great way to master numbers, counting, estimating, weighing, addition, subtraction and more!
Work at least 16 hours or more per week at the National Minimum Wage
Children of the UK, it’s time to get ready for World Book Day! Arriving in early March, it is a wonderful annual event where children across the nation get to immerse themselves in books, storytelling, and other book-inspired activities. Such activities are incredibly important for children. Did you know, for example, that children who regularly read for pleasure are happier children who also go on to have greater success in their lives? This uplift is even more significant for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Such is the power of reading for little ones! With all this in mind, today’s article outlines more about World Book Day and why it’s so important. It also suggests some activities that children and families can take part in to celebrate this year’s event.
World Book Day arrives each year on the first Thursday of March. So, for 2025 it’s celebrated on the 6th of March, then in 2026 it’s on the 5th, for 2027 it’s the 4th, and so on. Organised by the charity of the same name, the core mission of World Book Day is “to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own.” The reason is simple: a life-long love of reading for pleasure results in improved life chances. It’s incredibly powerful for children of all ages, as indicated in the following findings from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development:
The World Book Day® charity published a 17-page impact report for the event that took place in 2024. One of the key findings was that something needed to be done to stop the significant drop in children reading for pleasure. Otherwise, children would be missing out on some profound benefits. The report concluded that there had been several reasons for the downward trend. For example, 20% of children said they felt judged for what books they read. Some said that reading felt more like a chore or ‘work’ because the books were foisted upon them by adults. Just over 8% of children simply didn’t have access to any books at home. Of those that did, over a third said they had no choice over what they read.
In the UK, children under 18 are eligible to receive a £1 book token through the event. This can be used to buy a special World Book Day title or go towards another book (
With all the food and feasting associated with Christmas, it got us thinking about food hygiene and safety for children. Aside from keeping alert to possible allergens, parents need to be careful to ensure families remain safe from illnesses caused by food hygiene mishaps. After all, such illnesses can be particularly dangerous to little ones, who are fragile, but can be largely avoidable when good hygiene measures are taken. With that in mind, today’s post outlines various ways in which parents can stay on top of hygiene around the preparation of food for their children. And, of course, such measures will keep adults safer too.
Ensuring the food preparation environment is clean and hygienic will reduce the chance of microbes, including germs and viruses, contaminating food. Wiping down with warm, soapy, water on clean dish cloths is ideal for many such tasks. Anti-bacterial sprays are useful but should not be allowed to contaminate food, plates and cutlery etc. directly or indirectly.
Only feed children, especially babies and under-fives, age-appropriate food/meals. This is very important because many foods contain too much salt, sugar and saturated fats for young children. Some other foods can contain dangerous levels of toxins or even heavy metals. 
Always thoroughly wash vegetables, fruit and salads and, when appropriate, peel vegetables before use.
It’s hugely beneficial if children learn about food safety and proper hygiene associated with its preparation. Such things are useful life lessons and will help to keep them more safe and free of illnesses and nasty bugs. Teach them by example whenever possible. A great start is to encourage them to thoroughly wash their hands and fingers with warm, soapy water before preparing or eating food. They should also be encouraged to sit down at the table and be in a calm state before eating. This will help to better ensure food does not become contaminated or knocked onto a dirty floor. It will also reduce the chance of the child choking on food.
Any successful storytelling nook needs to be warm, cosy, quiet and comfortable. That means choosing a corner or recess of some kind in the home that’s away from distractions like TVs and game consoles. Somewhere that’s not used as a thoroughfare by other family members will also help. Wherever you choose, it also needs to be warm. Therefore, somewhere away from draughts is required, so avoid being too close to entrances and exits to the outside. A corner of a quiet room or a tranquil alcove are therefore often ideal spots for your child’s storytelling nook.
Whether reading from a book or creating a new story off the top of one’s head, there’s something that really brings a story to life — being animated and expressive during storytelling, rather like actors might do. That’s true whether it’s the adult or the child telling the story.
Do consider adding a storytelling nook or reading corner to your child’s home. They’re great vehicles for escapism, are incredibly worthwhile, and offer potentially magical experiences for your child. And, if you go the extra mile to make them cosy, immersive and special, they will encourage your child to love reading and creating new adventures using their imagination. Storytelling nooks and reading corners can open up whole new worlds to your child and be a wonderful antidote to electronic screens, gloomy weather, and more limited daylight during winter months. What’s more, they’re a great way for all parties to grow deeper bonds through shared periods of exquisitely immersive, high-quality time.