Ofsted will work with the government to scrap one-word judgements across early years inspections, following the largest consultation in the sector’s history.

Publishing the results of its Big Listen consultation, the inspectorate said it would consult on introducing “report cards” to the early years sector, which aim to give parents and carers more nuanced reporting about the strengths of providers.

The Big Listen found only one in three parents and carers currently believe Ofsted reassures them about the learning and development of children at early years and childcare settings.

Ofsted also unveiled plans to introduce a more flexible early years inspection framework, to apply to different types of setting. It pledged to emphasise the importance of communication, language and numeracy in inspections and regulation.

The inspectorate committed to continue to streamline the registration process, supporting more early years education and childcare providers to register in order to meet the government’s plans for 3,000 more nurseries on primary school sites.

Ofsted Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said:  “We recognise the growing challenges facing education and social care, particularly since the pandemic. We don’t want to add to this pressure. Many of the changes we are introducing are aimed at reducing the pressure on those we inspect.”

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), said: “We know from our member nurseries that Ofsted inspections can be a particular area of stress and pressure. The result of that inspection can have enormous consequences for a nursery business, both positive and negative.”

She added: “We welcome the actions announced by both Ofsted and the Department for Education to look at making significant changes to the inspection regime. The commitment to focus on children’s outcomes is important and gives reassurance to parents about the quality of early education and care at settings.”

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said: “We know early educators go above and beyond to deliver high-quality care and education but Ofsted inspections have long been a cause of significant stress across the sector. As such, we welcome proposals to recognise the importance of educators in the development of a more nuanced reporting of the strengths of providers. “   

He added: “That said, for these proposals to make certain that inspections are a collaborative and supportive process, today must mark the start, not the end, of Ofsted’s engagement with the sector. This is especially important given plans to review the early years inspection framework and apply it more flexibly to different types of setting.”