Ofsted acknowledges 'relationship' between lower gradings and high levels of deprivation

Early Years

Published May 20, 2026

Ofsted has acknowledged a 'relationship' between higher levels of deprivation and lower gradings under its new school inspections framework, with analysis of report cards revealing that just three school-based early years settings were deemed to be ‘exceptional’.

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Ofsted acknowledges 'relationship' between lower gradings and high levels of deprivation

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