Glossary
Quality Index (QI)
The Quality Index is calculated as the average of the 6 core inspection sub-grades awarded during an EIF inspection. It provides a single summary metric for comparing performance across providers, groups, and local authorities.
EIF (Education Inspection Framework, Nov 2025)
The Education Inspection Framework introduced in November 2025 is the current framework used by Ofsted for all inspections. It replaced the previous framework and uses a 5-point grading scale across multiple assessment areas.
Grade Scale — EIF Nov 2025 (Current)
Inspections under the current EIF framework use a 5-point word grading scale:
- Urgent Improvement — Significant concerns requiring immediate action
- Needs Attention — Areas that require improvement
- Expected Standard — Meeting the required standard
- Strong Standard — Exceeding expectations
- Exceptional — Outstanding practice
Grade Scale — Pre-2025 (Legacy)
Inspections before November 2025 used a 4-point judgement scale. These grades still appear on historical inspection records:
- Inadequate — Failing to meet minimum standards
- Requires Improvement — Not yet good; improvements needed
- Good — Effective provision meeting expectations
- Outstanding — Exceptional quality of provision
Safeguarding
A safeguarding judgement is included in every inspection and is recorded as either Met or Not Met. It reflects whether the provider meets Ofsted's requirements for keeping children safe.
Provider Types
Ofsted inspects several types of early years and education providers. The most common types tracked on this platform include Childminders, Nurseries, and Schools (including academies and maintained schools).
Local Authority
A Local Authority (LA) is the council responsible for a geographic area in England. Providers are associated with the LA in which they are registered, and inspection data can be aggregated and compared at the LA level.