Ofsted to Triple Unannounced Inspections of Early Years Settings Amid Safeguarding Concerns

Ofsted is to triple the number of unannounced visits to early years settings in response to growing concerns about safeguarding standards across the sector. The watchdog's decision follows a BBC investigation that uncovered a significant increase in serious incident reporting and in the number of Welfare Requirements Notices (WRNs) being issued to childcare providers. The increased inspection activity aims to strengthen safeguarding practices and ensure early years settings maintain the highest standards of care and education. Welfare Requirements Notices are issued when Ofsted identifies breaches of statutory requirements, signalling potential risks to children's safety and wellbeing that require immediate attention.