During the Summer term 2025 there were 64 Ofsted inspections carried out across Early Years provision in Primary Schools, PVI, Day Nurseries, Childminders and Out of School Club settings in Buckinghamshire. The outcomes of these were:    

Number of providers inspected in Summer 2025 

Early Years provision in Primary schools inspected: 6% (Good or Above)

Pre-schools and nurseries inspected:  11% (Good or above)

Childminders inspected:  7% (Good or Above)

Out of School Clubs inspected: 2% (  Good or Above)

Below is an overview of the report findings and corresponding links to information on the Early Years Service website to support with further development in EYFS practice:

Curriculum Implementation 

• The curriculum is well ordered from the early years onwards. This allows pupils to build securely on what they already know. Pupils develop detailed knowledge across subjects and recall it with confidence
• The wider curriculum is thoughtfully planned and builds in small steps from the early years to Year 2. The school prioritises early reading from when pupils join the school
• Staff implement an ambitious curriculum that reflects children's interests, curiosity and independence.
• There is a clear and well-thought-out curriculum that generally builds on children's learning over time.

Curriculum training opportunities:

Building a Unique Curriculum

EYFS Learning and Development Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training

Getting started - Support for Early Career teachers in Early Years - Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training

Communication and Language Development 

• The curriculum for communication and language is generally well implemented. Babies are introduced to new vocabulary through playful activities, such as clapping games
• The childminder places a strong emphasis on developing children's language skills. She narrates their play, models lively conversation and introduces new vocabulary during daily activities. For example, on their nature walks, children learn about snowdrops, bluebells and daffodils.
• The childminder consistently supports children's language development effectively. She helps children move from babble and 'baby talk' to using the correct words to describe what they see, want or can do. She understands the importance regular story times play in supporting children's communication skills.

Communication and Language training opportunities:

Communication and Language for Babies & Very Young Children - Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training

Foundation in Phonics - Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training

Staff Development

• Staff are highly successful at creating a vibrant, exciting and safe club for children to attend. Staff understand that different children have different needs at the end of the school day and take this into account when planning resources and activities.
• Leaders and managers have worked effectively with other agencies since the last inspection to ensure weaknesses are strengthened.
• Leaders have a deep commitment to maintaining an extremely high-quality provision and for continuous improvement

Staff Development Training Opportunities

Leading the Early Years with Confidence - Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training

SEND Training for Practitioners - Early Years Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) | Early Years

Effective Leadership and Management - Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Training

Some quotes from Ofsted reports

• Children make a strong start in the early years, where positive habits in turn-taking, sharing and listening are well established.
• New leaders have been appointed and have worked hard to improve the nursery since the last inspection. They have also worked with the Local Authority who have supported them with action and improvement plans, which leaders have successfully implemented.
• There is a clear curriculum to help scaffold children's learning and development over time. Staff identify what children need to learn and help them to practise skills and build on their knowledge and understanding.
• The leadership team and dedicated staff work extremely hard to maintain the high-quality provision. They are passionate that all children and families receive the best care that they can provide. Staff observe and assess children's progress very effectively. They show a comprehensive knowledge of children's individual learning and development needs
• Pupils enjoy coming to school. This is evident in their above-average attendance. Pupils show excellent behaviour and attitudes to their learning. These learning behaviours start in the early years. Young children have a rich introduction to early mathematics.