School inspections are changing
Section 8: Inspecting nursery classes
Some schools include nursery classes. These are inspected using the new, separate Quality improvement framework for the early learning and childcare sector developed by HM Inspectors and the Care Inspectorate. This framework is in use from September 2025. If a nursery class has been inspected by the Care Inspectorate within the last 18 months, it may not be included in the school inspection. This arrangement will continue.
When HM Inspectors do include a nursery class as part of a school inspection, it currently receives a separate grade and summary of inspection findings.
We are not consulting on the new joint framework or inspection arrangements.
We would like your views specifically on whether nursery classes should continue to receive separate grades and summary of findings when included in a school inspection.