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by Jess Gibson

Focusing on disadvantaged and vulnerable children at the earliest stage in life is a key priority for Ofsted, the inspectorate announced today in its annual report. 

The report is based on observations from Ofsted’s work between September 2023 and August 2024, and follows its in September 2024.  

The annual report found that: 

• many families have trouble accessing high-quality early years provision, with ‘childcare deserts’ more likely to be in areas experiencing lower incomes and higher child poverty.   

• many nurseries are struggling to recruit and retain skilled and qualified staff. The disruption caused by high staff turnover can have a negative impact on children’s learning and well-being, with vulnerable children and those with SEND particularly affected.   

• the vast majority of early years providers are doing a good job for children, but primary schools report that some children continue to lag behind with language, communication and social skills by the time they start school. 

The report also focuses on the interrelation of education and social care, and the challenges they face, stating that where “education and social care professionals are working hard under immense pressure […] with systems under strain”, it is “vulnerable and disadvantaged children who are most affected”.  

In the new year, Ofsted will formally consult on a renewed inspection framework for schools, early years, further education (FE) and skills providers, and initial teacher education. 

Ofsted Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver said: “The education and children’s social care sectors are fundamental to the future success of this country. Their influence on the lives of children cannot be overstated. Our work allows us to see this influence up close. For the vast majority of children, the outcome is a positive one: the education and care they receive is of a high standard, and their future is brighter because of it.   

“My priority is to make sure that all children share this positive experience. We know that for the most vulnerable children, life and learning can be more difficult. That is very rarely down to the services they receive, but it can be down to the services they do not receive.” 

Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said: “Ofsted is absolutely right to recognise the impact of staffing challenges on the sector and to identify access to provision for children from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds as a key priority.  

“There is a wealth of research showing just how it important it is to ensure that those from disadvantaged backgrounds have the opportunity to reap the benefits of a high-quality early education – and yet, in reality, they are the most likely to find it difficult, if not impossible, to do so. And, as Ofsted rightly highlights, the sector’s ongoing recruitment and retention crisis has only made it harder for settings not only to meet demand but also ensure that every child benefits from consistent contact with a key person in their nursery, pre-school or childminding setting.   

“So, as the government announces its commitment to the early years, we hope that this translates into increased funding and support to tackle these longstanding challenges, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to make this a reality. Without this, those set to gain the most from early education will continue to lose out.”