Ofsted plays a crucial role in ensuring early years settings maintain high standards of care and safeguarding for children. As part of your legal responsibilities, nursery and preschool leaders must notify Ofsted of certain changes that could impact the quality of care or the safety of children. Failing to report key changes can result in compliance action, fines, or even the suspension of your provision’s registration.

Understanding what must be reported and why is essential for safeguarding children and maintaining compliance. This article explores how early years leaders can improve their knowledge of notification requirements and embed good practice into their settings.

What Changes Must Be Notified to Ofsted?

Early years providers must inform Ofsted of any significant changes that could affect the safety, well-being, or overall management of a setting. These include:

Changes to leadership and management

• Appointment of a new manager or nominated individual

• Changes in ownership or governance

• Significant changes in staff that could impact safeguarding

Concerns about a child’s safety

• Any serious safeguarding incidents

• Allegations of abuse or misconduct against staff members

• Any serious injury, accident, or death of a child in the setting

Changes to the premises

• Relocating the setting to new premises

• Structural changes that could impact the suitability of the environment

• Any major issues affecting safety, such as fire or flood damage

Changes in policies or procedures

• A change in the safeguarding lead or key safeguarding procedures

• Adjustments to how the setting manages health and safety risks

Being proactive about notifying Ofsted ensures that safeguarding standards remain high and that your setting operates in line with legal requirements.

How You Can Improve Your Understanding

1. Stay Updated with Ofsted Guidance

Ofsted’s Early Years and Childcare Registration Handbook outlines the specific changes that must be reported. Leaders should:

• Regularly review the handbook and any updates from Ofsted

• Subscribe to Ofsted alerts and sector news to stay informed

• Attend webinars or training sessions on regulatory compliance

2. Embed a Culture of Compliance and Safeguarding

Effective safeguarding requires a strong compliance culture within the setting. Leaders should:

• Ensure all staff understand their role in reporting safeguarding concerns

• Regularly review policies and procedures with the team

• Maintain clear records of incidents, policy changes, and staff training

3. Train Staff on Reporting Responsibilities

Leaders must ensure that all team members are confident in identifying and reporting issues that could require an Ofsted notification. This includes:

• Holding regular training sessions on safeguarding and regulatory requirements

• Providing clear guidelines on when and how to report changes

• Encouraging open communication to ensure no concerns go unreported

4. Conduct Regular Compliance Audits

Carrying out internal audits can help identify any gaps in reporting and compliance. This should include:

• Checking whether all past changes have been correctly reported

• Reviewing safeguarding policies to ensure they align with Ofsted’s expectations

• Keeping detailed records of incidents, management changes, and staff training

For Safeguarding Specifically

Failing to notify Ofsted about relevant changes can lead to safeguarding risks. If leadership changes go unreported, a setting may be run by individuals who have not been appropriately vetted. If serious safeguarding incidents are not disclosed, children may be left at risk, and staff accountability may be compromised.

By improving your understanding of Ofsted notification requirements, you can ensure that your setting remains safe, well-regulated, and compliant with safeguarding standards.