Understanding Ofsted Ratings – A Parent’s Guide for 2026
What Is Ofsted and Why Does It Matter for Parents?
Ofsted stands for the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It inspects and rates schools, nurseries, and childcare providers in England. These ratings help parents pick the best places for their children. A good Ofsted score shows strong teaching, safety, and child care. Parents use these ratings to make informed choices about education and childcare.
The Ofsted Grading System Explained (Current and 2025 Onward)
Right now, Ofsted uses four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, and Inadequate. These grades show how well a provider performs in key areas. From November 2025, Ofsted will switch to a five-point scale and add more focus to safeguarding (child protection and welfare).
Key Differences Between Old and New Ofsted Ratings
- Current system = Four grades.
- November 2025 = Five grades, with a special grade for safeguarding.
- New system gives parents more detail about child safety and care quality.
The Four (and Soon Five) Ofsted Judgement Areas
Quality of Education
This judges the standard of teaching and learning. It looks at how well children are taught and how much they achieve.
Behaviour and Attitudes
This checks if children behave well, attend school regularly, and show respect to others.
Personal Development
This looks at how providers help children grow in confidence, character, and independence.
Leadership and Management
This examines how well leaders run the nursery or school, including their vision and staff management.
Safeguarding Standards (2025 Update)
From November 2025, Ofsted will have a separate judgement just for safeguarding. This means inspectors will look more closely at how well a place keeps children safe.
How to Use Ofsted Ratings to Choose a Nursery, School, or Childcare Provider
What High and Low Ratings Really Mean for Your Child
- Outstanding: The best rating – very high standards and child safety.
- Good: Strong standards and safe environment.
- Requires Improvement: There are issues to work on, standards not fully met.
- Inadequate: Serious problems. Not meeting required standards or keeping children safe.
Going Beyond the Grade: Reading Full Ofsted Reports
- Go to the Ofsted website.
- Find the report for your chosen provider.
- Read it all: Look for strengths and weaknesses in detail, not just the grade.
- See if the provider is improving, stable, or getting worse over time.
When a Setting Requires Improvement or Is Inadequate: Should You Rule It Out?
Not always. Some providers work hard to fix issues after a poor rating. If you visit and see clear positive changes, speak to staff and decide if it feels right for your child. Check their progress in follow-up inspections.
What Ofsted Ratings Don’t Tell You – Common Myths and Misunderstandings
Ofsted Ratings vs. Real-Life Experience
Ofsted ratings are useful but may not match your child’s experience. A school your neighbour loves may only have a “Good” rather than “Outstanding” grade.
Factors Not Reflected in Ofsted Judgements
- Class sizes
- Distance from home
- Special clubs or extra support
- Unique teaching styles
Parental Reviews and Other Information Sources
Talk to other parents, visit forums, and look at news articles for extra insight. These views often highlight things Ofsted does not cover.
Visiting a Provider: Questions to Ask and Red Flags to Spot
Essential Questions to Ask Staff About Ofsted Outcomes
- What did inspectors praise and what improvements were suggested?
- Has the provider made changes since their last inspection?
- How do staff handle bullying, illness, accidents, or complaints?
What to Look For During Your Visit
- Clean and welcoming environment
- Happy, engaged children
- Friendly, open staff
- Clear routines and safety measures
Practical Script for Parents (Printable Checklist Included)
- Ask staff to explain their Ofsted rating in simple terms
- Request examples of staff training and safeguarding steps
- Check for recent changes or improvements made after inspection
- Note any negative signs like unclean areas, unhappy staff or children
Navigating the Changes in Ofsted Ratings from November 2025 Onwards
What’s Changing and Why
From November 2025, Ofsted ratings will have more detail and a new five-point grading scale. The updates focus on child welfare, making it easier for parents to spot strong or weak safeguarding.
Understanding the New Safeguarding Judgement
The new separate safeguarding judgement will highlight how safe children are in each nursery or school. This will help parents spot problems quicker and make safer choices.
How the New 5-Point Scale Impacts Parental Choice
It will be easier for parents to see small differences between providers. Use the new scale to compare settings more closely and focus on those with high safeguarding standards.
FAQ: Ofsted Ratings and Your Child’s Education – What Parents Ask Most
- Q: How often are settings inspected?
A: Usually every 3-4 years, sooner if issues are found. - Q: Can a bad Ofsted rating improve?
A: Yes, many providers work hard to fix problems and get better scores next time. - Q: Should I avoid all ‘Requires Improvement’ or ‘Inadequate’ settings?
A: Not always. Visit and check new progress. Some settings turn things around quickly. - Q: Does an ‘Outstanding’ provider suit every child?
A: No. Personality and needs matter too.
Resources and Downloadables
Printable Ofsted Report Checklist for Parents
- Provider’s most recent Ofsted rating
- Judgement details: Education, Behaviour, Personal Development, Leadership, Safeguarding
- Inspector recommendations and improvements since last inspection
- Notes from your visit and questions you asked
- Impressions of staff and children during your visit