Early years: The report of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills

This early years report represents a departure for Ofsted – the first time we have published our annual review of the sector separately from the other sectors we inspect. This represents an opportunity to shine a light on pressing issues facing this particular sector and to make a contribution to raising the prestige and profile of the important work done by practitioners in early years.

But the messages within this report should not be seen in isolation. This is one chapter in a longer story about the importance of raising expectations for children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds and communities. Ofsted’s publication in June 2013, Unseen Children: Access and Achievement 20 years on, emphasised the importance of the early years for breaking the cycle of disadvantage. It also powerfully demonstrated the importance of parenting. Parenting style, parental involvement in
education and the quality of the home learning environment are major factors that explain the differences between children from low income backgrounds and their wealthier peers. Not enough is being done to support and encourage parents, but particularly those who need the most help, to secure for their children the benefit that the best early education and childcare can offer.